Analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor mRNA expression by polymerase chain reaction assay in 94 human breast adenocarcinoma tumors.

It is well known that breast cancer cells can synthesize and secrete various growth factors that are able to stimulate tumor growth through autocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. EGF is one of these growth factors involved in normal breast epithelial development and tumor proliferation. EGF and TGFα (EGF-like peptide) are produced in variable amounts and both bind to the EGF receptor (EGF-R).