Revisiting epidermal growth factor receptor in glioblastoma multiforme: Does it play a role in response to therapy.
Date
2014-07
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Background and Aim: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are the most aggressive
class of cancer of central nervous system with hallmark characteristics that
include rampant proliferation, necrosis, and endothelial proliferation. Epidermal
growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been implicated as the primary contributor
to glioblastoma initiation and succession. The present study was designed to
evaluate EGFR protein expression in GBM as predictor of response to therapy
and survival. Materials and Methods: Epidermal growth factor receptor was
assessed by immunohistochemistry as a percentage of positive tumor cells in hot
spots (10 high-power fields). The study group comprised of 35 cases of GBM. All
cases underwent surgical resection and subsequently underwent radiotherapy
(n = 17) or radiotherapy with adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy (n = 18).
Immediate response to therapy was assessed at 3 months using World Health
Organization response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria and cases
followed up for survival. Results: Twenty-four cases (68.6%) expressed EGFR
while 11/35 (31.4%) cases were negative. Response to therapy was evident
in 21/35 cases (60.0%) and 14/35 were (40.0%) nonresponders. Mean EGFR
protein expression in responders was 37.23 ± 33.70 and in nonresponders was
59.5 ± 39.46 (P = 0.542). The percentage of responders which were EGFR
negative was 72.7% and while response in EGFR positive cases was observed in
54.2%. Mean survival in EGFR positive and negative GBM was 394.37 ± 189.11
and 420.54 ± 191.23 days, respectively. Conclusion: The EGFR negative cases
appear to respond better to therapy, however, the difference is not statistically
significant (P = 0.298). Further, EGFR protein expression does not play a
definitive role in predicting survival. This is an original study evaluating EGFR
in terms of therapeutic response.
Description
Keywords
Epidermal growth factor receptor, glioblastoma multiforme, immunohistochemistry, nonresponders, responders
Citation
Soni Priyanka, Husain Nuzhat, Awasthi, Chandra Anil, Ojha Bal K, Gupta Rakesh K. Revisiting epidermal growth factor receptor in glioblastoma multiforme: Does it play a role in response to therapy. Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology. 2014 Jul-sept 57 (3): 390-395.