As you look around this site and read the latest studies you might find it necessary to read up on the biology of cancer. Here are some good resources that will help you understand the biology of cancer cell growth.
Introduction to Cancer Biology: The Cancer Biology portion of the site contains in-depth information about the structure and function of normal cells and cancer cells. The changes that make normal cells turn into cancer cells are described.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor(HER1) or Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor(EGFR)- Explained. Although most MpBC tumors are negative for HER2 overexpression, studies suggest MpBC patients overexpress the HER1(EGFR) at higher rates than other traditional breast cancers. This is important because HER2 overexpression has led to the development drugs that can target HER2 and help reduce the chance of recurrence for women with HER2+ tumors. Knowing HER1 is a potential target for MpBC patients allows researchers to work on the development of drugs that target this pathway as well. The epidermal growth factor receptor HER-1/EGFR protein is expressed in the majority of metaplastic carcinomas and thus may serve as a potential therapeutic target for EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib and cetuximab.
Angiogenesis – Angiogenesis is the growth of new capillary blood vessels in the body. Abnormal blood vessel growth, either excessive or insufficient, is now recognized as a “common denominator” underlying many deadly and debilitating conditions, including cancer, skin diseases, age-related blindness, diabetic ulcers, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and many others. The list of diseases that have angiogenesis as an underlying mechanism grows longer every year.
The CancerQuest Documentary is an 11 min video-animation that describes the biological processes that are involved in the development, growth and spread of cancer.