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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:01
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
[Epidermal growth factor receptor aberrations in malignant mesotheliomas]
Satoshi Ikeda1, Kazuhiko Takabe, Keiko Suzuki
1Department of Pathology, Tsuchiura Kyodo General Hospital, Tsuchiura 300-0053, Japan. isohama2587@proof.ocn.ne.jp
Rinsho Byori. the Japanese Journal of Clinical Pathology
|August 28, 2009
Summary
Malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer both express Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). However, differences in EGFR gene abnormalities and p-Akt expression suggest gefitinib is unlikely to benefit mesothelioma patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma incidence is rising, often linked to asbestos exposure.
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) aberrations are implicated in various cancers.
- Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, is used for lung cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare EGFR aberrations in malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- To assess the potential efficacy of gefitinib in treating malignant mesothelioma.
Main Methods:
- Investigated 15 malignant mesothelioma, 5 lung cancer, and 10 benign mesothelial cell cases.
- Examined EGFR protein expression via immunostaining.
- Assessed p-Akt and Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA) expression.
- Analyzed EGFR gene mutations (PCR-heteroduplex, PCR-RFLP) and numerical abnormalities (FISH).
Main Results:
- EGFR protein expression was similar in malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.
- p-Akt expression was significantly lower in malignant mesothelioma (7%) compared to lung cancer (100%).
- EGFR gene amplification occurred in 13% of mesothelioma and 40% of lung cancer cases; mutations were absent in mesothelioma but present in 20% of lung cancer cases.
- EGFR expression in malignant mesothelioma was similar to benign mesothelial cells.
Conclusions:
- While EGFR is expressed in malignant mesothelioma, distinct genetic differences and lower p-Akt activation compared to lung cancer suggest limited benefit from gefitinib.
- EGFR aberrations and downstream signaling differ significantly between malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer, impacting targeted therapy potential.
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