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Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor alpha in human larynx carcinoma

E Di Marco1, E Albanese, S Benso

  • 1Istituto Nazional per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy.

Cancer Letters
|August 31, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) were investigated in larynx and oral cavity carcinomas. Overexpression of EGFR was found in most tumors, suggesting a role in oncogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Altered growth factor and receptor expression is common in human tumors.
  • This suggests oncogenesis involves subverted mitogen-responsive pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) in larynx and oral cavity carcinomas.
  • To determine if EGFR overexpression correlates with tumor development.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 13 larynx carcinomas and 2 oral cavity carcinomas.
  • Assessment of EGFR and TGF alpha expression at mRNA and protein levels.
  • Detection of EGFR tyrosine kinase activity using antiphosphotyrosine antibody.

Main Results:

  • EGFR overexpression (mRNA and/or protein) was observed in 7 out of 15 tumors.
  • Normal adjacent tissues showed low EGFR expression.
  • TGF alpha was expressed in only one tumor case.
  • No significant EGFR tyrosine kinase activity was detected.

Conclusions:

  • EGFR overexpression is frequent in larynx and oral cavity carcinomas.
  • EGFR may play a role in the oncogenesis of these tumors.
  • Further investigation into EGFR signaling pathways in head and neck cancers is warranted.

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