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Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in invasive thymoma
J D Henley1, G K Koukoulis, P J Loehrer
1Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Clarian Health Partners, 550 North University Blvd., Rm 3465, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. jhenley@iupui.edu
Purpose:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Activation results in a variety of cellular responses including cell proliferation and differentiation. In clinical trials, anti-EGFR is showing promise in the treatment of solid tumors expressing EGFR. Thus, we assessed EGFR expression in a series of thymic epithelial tumors.
Methods:
Tumors from 37 patients seen at Indiana University School of Medicine (IUMC) for treatment of thymoma (31 patients) or thymic carcinoma (six patients) were assessed for EGFR expression. Five-micron sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor (28 invasive and/or metastatic thymomas, six thymic carcinomas, and three non-invasive thymomas) were stained with anti-EGFR. Any degree of cytoplasmic membrane staining of tumor cells was considered positive; furthermore, staining was scored 0 to 3+ using criteria as standardized for HER-2/neu assessment of breast carcinoma. Appropriate controls were performed.
Results:
Positive staining of tumor was observed in 28 tumors (23 invasive and/or metastatic thymomas, two thymic carcinomas, and three non-invasive thymomas).
Conclusions:
EGFR is expressed in a high percentage of thymic epithelial tumors. EGFR is often strongly expressed and is a potential therapeutic target in patients with malignant thymic tumors. We are pursuing additional studies to assess anti-EGRF in the treatment of patients with advanced thymoma.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is expressed in most thymic epithelial tumors. This finding suggests EGFR may be a therapeutic target for malignant thymic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein with tyrosine kinase activity.
- EGFR activation drives cellular proliferation and differentiation.
- Anti-EGFR therapies show promise in treating EGFR-expressing solid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess EGFR expression in thymic epithelial tumors.
- To determine if EGFR is a potential therapeutic target in thymic malignancies.
Main Methods:
- EGFR expression was evaluated in 37 thymic tumors (31 thymomas, 6 thymic carcinomas) from IUMC patients.
- Immunohistochemical staining using anti-EGFR antibody was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor sections.
- Cytoplasmic membrane staining of tumor cells was considered positive and scored from 0 to 3+.
Main Results:
- EGFR expression was detected in 28 out of 37 thymic epithelial tumors.
- Positive staining was observed in 23 invasive/metastatic thymomas, 2 thymic carcinomas, and 3 non-invasive thymomas.
Conclusions:
- EGFR is expressed in a high percentage of thymic epithelial tumors.
- Strong EGFR expression indicates its potential as a therapeutic target for malignant thymic tumors.
- Further studies are underway to evaluate anti-EGFR therapy for advanced thymoma.