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Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression in malignant pleural mesothelioma: prognostic correlations
Ottavio Rena1, Luciano R Boldorini, Erica Gaudino
1Thoracic Surgery Unit, University of Eastern Piedmont, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore della Carità, C.so Mazzini, 18, Novara, Italy. ottaviorena@libero.it
Background:
To evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phenotypic expression and related gene status in malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) and to correlate the results with patients' prognosis.
Method:
Eighty-three cases of MPM specimens were submitted to immunohistochemical (IHC) staining to evaluate the expression of EGFR protein; positive cases were submitted to fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to investigate the gene status. Results were correlated with clinico-pathological characteristics and long-term survival.
Results:
Thirty-eight cases (46%) demonstrated a positive IHC reaction [30/57 (52%) epithelial and 8/20 (40%) biphasic whereas sarcomatous MPM were negative]. No association was recorded between EGFR IHC positive staining and age, gender, or asbestos exposure. Three out of 38 (8%) cases submitted to FISH were positive revealing gene amplification or polysomy. Mean follow-up was 15.4 months (range 2-44). Epithelial subtype only was confirmed to affect prognosis (2-years survival rate 40 vs. 18% for non-epithelial subtype, P = 0.042). When epithelial MPM patients were considered, IHC EGFR positive staining was demonstrated to be a negative prognostic factor (2-years survival rate 26 vs. 60% for IHC EGFR negative staining; P = 0.026).
Conclusions:
EGFR overexpression is identified by IHC in 52% of epithelial MPM and is demonstrated to be a factor negatively affecting prognosis. Phenotypic overexpression seems not to be related to gene status alteration.
Insights
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression in epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is linked to poorer prognosis. This EGFR phenotypic expression, detected by IHC, does not appear related to gene status alterations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive cancer.
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is implicated in various cancers.
- The role of EGFR in MPM requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess EGFR protein expression and gene status in MPM.
- To correlate EGFR findings with clinicopathological features.
- To determine the prognostic impact of EGFR in MPM patients.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate EGFR protein expression in 83 MPM specimens.
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed on EGFR-positive cases to assess gene status.
- Results were correlated with patient survival and clinico-pathological data.
Main Results:
- EGFR protein expression was observed in 46% of MPM cases (52% of epithelial subtype).
- EGFR IHC positivity was not associated with age, gender, or asbestos exposure.
- EGFR gene amplification or polysomy was found in 8% of tested cases.
- Epithelial MPM subtype was associated with better prognosis.
- EGFR IHC positivity was a negative prognostic factor in epithelial MPM.
Conclusions:
- EGFR overexpression, detected by IHC, is prevalent in epithelial MPM.
- EGFR overexpression is a negative prognostic indicator in epithelial MPM.
- Phenotypic EGFR overexpression in MPM does not correlate with gene status alterations.
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