Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-Like Growth Factor As a Potent Target for Breast Cancer Therapy

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the EGF family and exhibits its activity after binding to its receptors in autocrine, paracrine, and juxtacrine interactions. HB-EGF plays important roles in several biological and pathological processes, such as wound healing, blastocyst implantation, atherosclerosis, and heart development. Clinical studies have shown that HB-EGF is closely correlated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in breast cancer. Specifically, targeted inhibition of HB-EGF improves the therapeutic efficacy and suppresses the tumor progression. This review discusses the importance of HB-EGF in mammary carcinoma progression and the potential value of HB-EGF as a therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment.