Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies may inhibit A431 tumor cell proliferation by blocking an autocrine pathway.

Monoclonal antibodies which bind to the EGF receptor have the capacity to inhibit EGF-induced effects upon proliferation and biochemical functions in cultured human cells. Some EGF receptor-bearing tumor cells are prevented from growth by treatment with antireceptor antibody. Evidence is presented which suggests that antibody-mediated antiproliferative activity may result from effects upon growth factor-dependent processes in the receptor-bearing cells.