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Updated: Jun 24, 2026
Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
EGFR protein overexpression and mutation in areca quid-associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in Taiwan
Shiang-Fu Huang1, Wen-Yu Chuang, I-How Chen
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Background:
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy has been extensively assessed in human cancer treatment. We appraised the possible role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in areca quid (AQ)-associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) by examining EGFR protein overexpression and its tyrosine kinase domain mutations.
Methods:
EGFR overexpression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, and tyrosine kinase mutations was determined by direct sequencing of DNAs from 172 OSCC tumors.
Results:
Overexpression of EGFR was found in 27.9% (48 of 172) of the OSCCs and was associated with lymph node metastasis (p = .013) and extracapsular spread (p = .022). Only 1 (0.58%) OSCC displayed somatic EGFR mutation but in a silent form (T725T, ACG-->ACA).
Conclusion:
EGFR-targeted therapy might have some potential in AQ-associated OSCCs for their EGFR frequently overexpressed, although EGFR mutations were rare. However, the feasibility of TKIs in AQ-associated OSCCs needs further clinical testing.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is often overexpressed in areca quid-associated oral cancers. While EGFR mutations are rare, this suggests potential for EGFR-targeted therapy, though further clinical trials are needed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapy is a key treatment in human cancers.
- Areca quid (AQ) use is linked to oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs).
- The role of EGFR in AQ-associated OSCCs requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the expression of EGFR protein in AQ-associated OSCCs.
- To identify mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR in these tumors.
- To assess the potential of EGFR-targeted therapy, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), for AQ-associated OSCCs.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical staining was used to assess EGFR overexpression in 172 OSCC tumors.
- Direct sequencing of tumor DNA was performed to detect EGFR tyrosine kinase domain mutations.
Main Results:
- EGFR was overexpressed in 27.9% of OSCCs, correlating with lymph node metastasis and extracapsular spread.
- A single OSCC (0.58%) showed a silent somatic EGFR mutation (T725T).
- No significant EGFR mutations were found in the majority of tumors.
Conclusions:
- Frequent EGFR overexpression in AQ-associated OSCCs suggests potential for EGFR-targeted therapies.
- The rarity of EGFR mutations indicates that TKIs may have limited applicability.
- Further clinical studies are necessary to determine the efficacy of TKIs in this patient group.
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