I'm no expert, but here's my take on this...

While the statement that EGF doesn't cause cancer is technically
correct, I think the potential is that if a cell becomes damaged
through some inflammatory (or oxidative) process (from UV radiation,
pathogen, chemical inducer, etc) or a via a genetic defect and mutates
to then have more EGF receptors as cancer cells do have, excess
amounts of EGF could bind to the EGF receptor(s) and cause the cell to
begin multiplying rapidly.

So correct, EGF doesn't cause the mutation in the cell to begin with,
but cancer cells use EGF to multiply rapidly so you could be adding
fuel to a fire if a fire exists (and cells are constantly being
damaged in our body with normal day to day living, although normally
our immune systems are able to "kill" these cells off before they
become a problem).

Also, I don't believe the statement that "cells in melanoma, the most
dangerous skin cancer, have no receptors for epidermal growth
factor." is necessarily correct. Current studies seem to suggest
that at least some melanoma cells have EGF receptors (potentially the
more virulent ones):

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstra\
ct&list_uids=15580309&query_hl=8&itool=pubmed_docsum

It is unclear to me whether it is EGF or TGF that binds to these
melanoma receptors to cause rapid division as I've seen some studies
suggesting both. It looks like there is still quite a bit of
research going on in this area so potentially we'll know for sure one
day. Meanwhile, caution might be warranted for both carcinomas AND
melanomas.

BTW, in case anyone is interested, several anti-cancer drugs have been
developed that work by actually blocking the EGF receptor including
Erbitux (remember the IMCLONE scandal), Iressa, Tarceva, etc:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=11530

Again, as Artist suggests, please discuss the use of products with EGF
with your dermatologist before using just to be safe...

Dan

--- In rosacea-support@yahoogroups.com, "nurse_artist"
<nurse_artist@...> wrote:
>
> Yes I say always discuss your plan with your dermatologist with
> anything new, especially home formulations. We can never be too
> careful, and derms may be able to learn more about what works and does
> not.
>
> I read this through (see below) and I think this is what it is saying.
> The normal process of cell division is that the EGF naturally in our
> skin attaches to an EGF receptor on our cells. That receptor is called
> EGFR (EGF Receptor). That activates tyrosine kinase, which triggers
> cell growth and multiplication. So you have that normal process with
> EGF, EGFR, and Tyrosine Kinase. BUT, cancer cells have a lot of EGF
> receptors (EGFRs), so if you are someone who has skin cancer then it
> would seem to make sense that adding more EGF would be bad. So, then
> would it only be a concern if you have existing skin cancer? Has
> anyone heard reports from anyone with EGF/cancer problems? Please more
> info if you find any. So far I have been fine, and have not heard any
> cancer reports.
>
> "EGFR: Epidermal growth factor receptor. A protein found on the
> surface of cells to which epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds. When
> EGF attaches to EGFR, it activates the enzyme tyrosine kinase,
> triggering reactions that cause the cells to grow and multiply. EGFR
> is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of
> cancer cells, which may divide excessively in the presence of EGF. The
> drug Iressa attaches to EGFR and thereby inhibits the attachment of
> EGF and stops cell division. The gene for EGFR is on chromosome 7p12.
> 3-p12.1. The EGFR molecule has 3 regions -- one projects outside the
> cell and contains the site for binding EGF; the second is embedded in
> the cell membrane; and the third projects into the cytoplasm of the
> cell's interior. EGFR is a kinase that attaches phosphate groups to
> tyrosine residues in proteins. EGFR is also known confusingly as
> ErbB1, ErbB, oncogene ErbB, and HER1."
>
>
> I'm not completely clear on it, so I talked to my derm and we decided
> I would only use it once a day, to be very safe.
>
> Here is a blurb about it from Skinactives. The question comes up
> sometimes over there:
>
> "Cancer cells have lost the normal controls, DNA mutations affecting
> proteins involved in the control of cell division are the problem,
> epidermal growth factor is not the reason why the become cancerous.
> Epidermal growth factor is naturally in our skin, using EGF as part of
> your skin care will help with skin thickness and renewal.
>
> Cells in melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer, have no receptors
> for epidermal growth factor."
>
> So, for me, I would really avoid it if I had rhinophyma or existing
> skin cancer. As it is, I use it once a day and I monitor my skin
> closely anyway.
>
> Cheers!
>
> Artist
> Please note:
>
> Although I am only a customer, after my experience with EGF,
> Skinactives submitted a patent on it for rosacea and included me
> because of input I provided to them.
>
> In my opinion, when trying anything new for your rosacea, especially
> home formulations, it is very important to visit your dermatologist
> first. In addition, I would NOT apply EGF to rhinophyma or skin
> cancer. This is my opinion, and does not take the place of advice from
> your doctor.
>
>
> --- In rosacea-support@yahoogroups.com, "dfries2003" <dfries2003@>
> wrote:
> >
> >
> > Hi All,
> >
> > I'm no expert, but just to remind everyone, since EGF has the
> > potential for upregulating the growth rates of cancer cells, please
> be
> > sure to discuss the use of any topical with EGF in it with your
> > dermatologist before using. At the very least, they should be able
> > to help you keep a lookout for any signs of potential skin cancer
> > while you're using it.
> >
> > http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=32387
> >
> > Also, I have not read any studies which suggest that rosacea itself
> > may lead to increases in skin cancer rates, but inflammation has
> been
> > implicated in increased rates, and since rosacea involves a chronic
> > inflammatory response, we should probably be extra careful:
> >
> > http://www.cancernetwork.com/journals/oncology/o0202d.htm
> > http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/life_sciences/report-
> 32184.html
> > http://www.skincancer.org/squamous/index.php
> >
> > Again, I'm no expert and don't really want to scare anyone. But be
> > sure to talk this over with your dermatologist before using a
> product
> > with EGF in it...
> >
> >
> > Dan
> >
>