Immunohistochemical expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in South Asian head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Association with various risk factors and clinico-pathologic and prognostic parameters

Atif Ali hashmi, Zubaida Fida Hussain, Saher Aijaz, Muhammad Irfan, Erum Yousuf Khan, Samreen Naz, Naveen Faridi, Amir Khan, Muhammad Muzzammil Edhi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: In this study, we intend to determine the immunohistochemical expression of EGFR in cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and its association with prognostic clinico-pathologic features. Methods: A total of 115 cases of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, were included in the study. Clinico-pathologic features, risk factors, and recurrence status of cases were evaluated, and EGFR immunohistochemistry was performed. Results: In our study, 52 cases (45.2%) of head and neck SCC were positive and 10 cases (8.7%) were focal positive for EGFR expression, while 53 cases (46.1%) were negative for EGFR expression. High EGFR expression (> 70%) was noted in 6.1% (7 cases), while 12.2% (14 cases) and 26.1% (30 cases) revealed 51-70% and 11-50% EGFR expression respectively. On the basis of intensity, strong EGFR expression was noted in 13.9% (16 cases) while 16.5% (19 cases) and 23.5% (27 cases) revealed intermediate and weak EGFR expression respectively. Significant association of EGFR expression was noted with tumor stage and disease-free survival. Conclusion: We found a significant association of EGFR expression with tumor stage and disease-free survivals, which are the most important prognostic factors in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; therefore, EGFR expression can help as a prognostic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. On the other hand, we suggest that molecular studies should be performed in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck in our setup to identify patients that can avail response from anti-EGFR therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number118
JournalWorld Journal of Surgical Oncology
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Areca nut
  • Epidermal growth factor receptor
  • Gutka
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
  • Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Immunohistochemical expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in South Asian head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Association with various risk factors and clinico-pathologic and prognostic parameters'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this