All these data are consistent with E2 increasing production of TGFalpha in ER-positive ovarian cancer and this in turn acting through the EGF receptor to modulate growth in an autocrine manner.
Because it is believed that an activation of the epidermal growth factor/transforming growth factor alpha (EGF/TGF alpha) signal pathway could be involved, we analysed the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and TGF alpha with molecular-chemical, biochemical and immunohistochemical methods in 42 ovarian carcinomas, 4 ovarian metastasis, 2 other malignant ovarian tumours, and in 25 nonmalignant tissues (ovary, myometrium).
Thus far, the types of carcinomas with which abnormal TGF-alpha expression has been associated include liver, gastrointestinal, breast, skin, lung, brain and ovarian cancers.