As TGF-α overproduction and consequent stimulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a hallmark of most RCC tumours (Gunaratnam et al, 2003; Gemmill et al, 2005; Costa et al, 2007), EGFR inhibitors (such as erlotinib and gefitinib) have a theoretical role in the treatment of RCC, on the basis of our understanding of the pathophysiology. Here, EGFR is linked to renal cell carcinoma.