EGFR and neoplasm: LRIG1 biologically functions as a negative regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling42,43 and has been shown to repress tumor development and growth by antagonizing gene expression of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as ErbB.44,45,46 Low LRIG1 gene expression is considered an independent risk factor for breast cancer metastasis and has been found to be an estrogen-regulated growth suppressor.47,48 In our study, LRIG1 methylation in the gene body region was decreased for patients in the high neighborhood deprivation group.