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Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in anal canal carcinoma
Lyly H Lê1, Runjan Chetty, Malcolm J Moore
1Department of Medical Oncology, Fraser Valley Cancer Centre, Surrey, Canada.
Abstract:
Most anal canal carcinomas (ACCs) are squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). SCCs in other tumor sites strongly express epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), the inhibition of which might result in favorable changes in tumor growth. A review of the published scientific literature reveals no information regarding the expression of EGFR in ACCs. Therefore, we obtained archived pathology samples from ACC biopsies and examined the frequency and level of expression of EGFR and other cell surface and cell cycle markers. The 21 samples studied universally and strongly expressed EGFR and were negative for HER-2. Clinical studies of EGFR inhibitors in advanced ACC are warranted.
Insights
Most anal canal carcinomas (ACCs) strongly express epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs). This finding suggests that EGFR inhibitors may be effective for treating advanced ACCs, warranting further clinical studies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Anal canal carcinomas (ACCs) are predominantly squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs).
- SCCs at other sites often overexpress epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
- Limited data exists on EGFR expression in ACCs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of EGFR in ACC tissue samples.
- To determine if EGFR expression in ACCs correlates with potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Archived pathology samples from 21 ACC biopsies were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the frequency and level of EGFR expression.
- Expression of HER-2 and other cell surface/cell cycle markers was also assessed.
Main Results:
- All 21 ACC samples demonstrated universal and strong expression of EGFR.
- None of the samples expressed HER-2.
- Expression patterns of other markers were also documented.
Conclusions:
- EGFR is consistently expressed in anal canal carcinomas.
- The strong EGFR expression suggests that EGFR inhibitors are a promising therapeutic avenue for advanced ACC.
- Further clinical trials investigating EGFR inhibitors in advanced ACC are recommended.
