Hi Anon - Thanks for writing back. You lost your husband at such a young age. I'm glad you were there for him, and that we can be here for you.
All human beings have growth factors that affect our cells. You're no doubt aware that cancer is a complex variety of diseases that stem from abnormal cell growth. EFGR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is one of the many types of growth factors found in our cells. A growth factor, according to the dictionary of biology, is any of various chemicals, particularly polypeptides, that have a variety of important roles in the stimulation of new cell growth and cell maintenance. They bind to the cell surface on receptors. Specific growth factors can cause new cell proliferation (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, haemopoietic growth factor) and the migration of cells (fibroblast growth factor) and play a role in wound healing (platelet-derived growth factor; PDGF). Some growth factors act in the embryonic stage of development; for example, nerve growth factor stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites from developing sensory and sympathetic neurons. It is thought that some growth factors are involved in the abnormal regulation of growth seen in cancer when produced in excessive amounts.
I've found a chemistry reference which explains this in more detail and may be helpful in better understanding the process.
http://www.chemcases.com/cisplat/cisplat19.htm
I'm not sure if I'm answering your question, as you may be trying to get to the exact cause of your husband's cancer. His oncologist, and experts in the oncology field, are better able to help you with that answer. Unfortunately, with cancer, there are often a lot of unresolved questions.
The best way I know how to help you is to let you know that I personally have a form of leukemia that's caused by a gene mutation. I now understand the chemical process that caused it. I will never know exactly why that process took place, nor will my oncologist. I've made peace with that, which has helped me move forward with living. I hope my answer will help you find some peace too. Will you please let me know?
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Hi Anon - Thanks for writing back. You lost your husband at such a young age. I'm glad you were there for him, and that we can be here for you.
All human beings have growth factors that affect our cells. You're no doubt aware that cancer is a complex variety of diseases that stem from abnormal cell growth. EFGR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is one of the many types of growth factors found in our cells. A growth factor, according to the dictionary of biology, is any of various chemicals, particularly polypeptides, that have a variety of important roles in the stimulation of new cell growth and cell maintenance. They bind to the cell surface on receptors. Specific growth factors can cause new cell proliferation (epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, haemopoietic growth factor) and the migration of cells (fibroblast growth factor) and play a role in wound healing (platelet-derived growth factor; PDGF). Some growth factors act in the embryonic stage of development; for example, nerve growth factor stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites from developing sensory and sympathetic neurons. It is thought that some growth factors are involved in the abnormal regulation of growth seen in cancer when produced in excessive amounts.
I've found a chemistry reference which explains this in more detail and may be helpful in better understanding the process.
http://www.chemcases.com/cisplat/cisplat19.htm
I'm not sure if I'm answering your question, as you may be trying to get to the exact cause of your husband's cancer. His oncologist, and experts in the oncology field, are better able to help you with that answer. Unfortunately, with cancer, there are often a lot of unresolved questions.
The best way I know how to help you is to let you know that I personally have a form of leukemia that's caused by a gene mutation. I now understand the chemical process that caused it. I will never know exactly why that process took place, nor will my oncologist. I've made peace with that, which has helped me move forward with living. I hope my answer will help you find some peace too. Will you please let me know?
Take care, Pat
December 21, 2009 - 6:00pmThis Comment
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