The Role of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Thai Patients
Sa-nguanraksa D, MD, PhD1, Sirikett H, MSc2, O-charoenrat E, BSc3, Thumrongtaradol T, MSc1, Phumphuang S, BSc1
Affiliation : 1 Division of Head-Neck and Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 2 Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
Background : EGFR, a member of the type 1 tyrosine kinase family of receptors, plays a crucial role in several types of cancer
especially in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC).
Objective : This study aims to determine the frequency of EGFR overexpression in HNSCC and to find a possible correlation with
various clinical pathological parameters and patient outcomes.
Materials and Methods : Fresh cancerous tissue samples and matched normal mucosa were collected from 78 previously untreated
HNSCC patients after obtaining informed consent. All patients had no detectable distant metastases at presentation. EGFR mRNA
expression was examined using quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis. Data were correlated with both clinicopathological
characteristics and survival outcome.
Results : Overexpression of EGFR mRNA was found in 21 of 78 patients. EGFR expression was significantly correlated with lower
overall survival.
Conclusion : EGFR expression plays an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of HNSCC.
Keywords : EGFR, Head and neck cancer, Squamous cell carcinomas
