High predictive value of epidermal growth factor receptor phosphorylation but not of EGFRvIII mutation in resected stage I non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Issue 3 (27th February 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sonnweber, B; Dlaska, M; Skvortsov, S; Dirnhofer, S; Schmid, T; Hilbe, W
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 59:Issue 3(2006)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2006-02-27
• Subjects: EGFR, epidermal growth factor regulator -- MVD, microvessel density -- NSCLC, non-small cell lung cancer -- pEGFR, phosphorylated epidermal growth factor regulator -- SCC, squamous cell carcinoma; EGFR -- EGFRvIII -- phosphorylation -- non-small cell lung cancer -- prognosis; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.027615
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : Aims: Overexpression and mutation of epidermal growth factor regulator (EGFR) are frequently found in the carcinogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Because targeting of this receptor has proven therapeutic efficacy, studying EGFR has become a matter of particular scientific interest. The present study analysed the EGFR receptor, rate of EGFRvIII mutations, and rate of activated phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) by immunohistochemistry on cryostat sections. Methods: Surgically obtained tumour specimens of a series of 78 NSCLC patients and 66 adjacent tumour free specimens were examined immunohistochemically using monoclonal antibodies to stain EGFR, pEGFR, and EGFRvIII. Results: EGFRvIII and pEGFR expression was found in 42% and 26% of the tumours respectively and both were increased significantly compared with tumour free samples. EGFR, pEGFR, and EGFRvIII expression did not correlate with any of the previously tested markers (c-erbB-2, c-erbB-3, p53, ki-67, and microvessel density). Similar distributions of immunohistochemical profiles were seen, regardless of histological subtype, age, or sex. In stage I patients, EGFR phosphorylation at tyrosine residue 845 proved to be an independent prognostic factor. Conclusion: Because pEGFR correlated with poor prognosis, it can be speculated that it plays a crucial biological role in the pathogenesis of NSCLC.