Integrin-mediated resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy: an inflammatory situation

Targeting the function of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has failed as an effective clinical option for breast cancer. Understanding the drivers of inherent resistance has been a challenge. One possible mechanism is the acquisition of stem-like properties through the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. A recent study by Seguin and colleagues adds to our understanding of this process by demonstrating a functional role for unligated av beta 3 integrin in mediating a stem-like phenotype and facilitating resistance to EGFR-targeted therapy via enhanced downstream coupling to a KRAS:RalB:NF-kappa B pathway. Importantly, the identified mechanism may reveal a possible strategy for sensitizing breast cancer cells to EGFR-targeted therapies.