In neoplasia, however, EGFR activation is often increased due to either increased EGFR expression, EGFR mutation or increased availability of the EGFR ligand produced by the same or surrounding cells.18, 19 Aberrant expression of EGFR by tumours typically confers a more aggressive phenotype.20, 21, 22 EGFR is therefore a principal target for therapeutic intervention in cancer. The gene discussed is EGFR; the disease is neoplasm.