Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor as a Potent Target for Breast Cancer Therapy

Cancer Biother Radiopharm. 2016 Apr;31(3):85-90. doi: 10.1089/cbr.2015.1956.

Abstract

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the EGF family and exhibits its activity after binding to its receptors in autocrine, paracrine, and juxtacrine interactions. HB-EGF plays important roles in several biological and pathological processes, such as wound healing, blastocyst implantation, atherosclerosis, and heart development. Clinical studies have shown that HB-EGF is closely correlated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in breast cancer. Specifically, targeted inhibition of HB-EGF improves the therapeutic efficacy and suppresses the tumor progression. This review discusses the importance of HB-EGF in mammary carcinoma progression and the potential value of HB-EGF as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.

Keywords: EGFR; HB-EGF; angiogenesis; breast cancer; targeted therapy; triple-negative breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor / chemistry*
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor