1011 The role of type 1 growth factor receptors in human cancer

• Published in: European journal of cancer (1990) Vol. 31; p. S211
• Main Author: Gullick, W.J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.1995
• ISSN: 0959-8049; 1879-0852
• DOI: 10.1016/0959-8049(95)96259-G

Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that growth factor receptor overexpression is a contributory factor to cell transformation. Equally, overexpression represents a target for new therapeutic agents. Conceptually, these may be either directed at reducing receptor activity or designed to exploit overexpression relative to normal tissues. Monoclonal antibodies to growth factor receptors have been developed which take advantage of the latter phenomenon. We have made an antibody to c-erbB-3 which has been employed in ADEPT in a preclinical model of tumour growth inhibition. We have also prepared antibodies to the type III mutant EGF receptor found commonly in glioblastoma multiforme. Their specificity and tumour localisation in vivo has been explored. These represent an ideal model system as they are directed against a tumour specific antigen expressed at very high levels on brain tumours.