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Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma and EGFR mutations: a molecular footprint of a benign lesion

Eiichi Sasaki1, Daisuke Nishikawa2, Nobuhiro Hanai2

  • 1Department of Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.

Histopathology
|August 18, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are common in inverted sinonasal papillomas (ISPs) and associated sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCCs). These findings suggest a potential molecular link and distinct biological behavior for these head and neck cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Head and Neck Cancer Research

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeted therapy is established for lung cancer.
  • EGFR mutations have been identified in head and neck tumors, particularly inverted sinonasal papillomas (ISPs).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and spectrum of EGFR mutations in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and papillomas.
  • To explore the association between EGFR mutations in ISPs and co-occurring HNSCCs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of EGFR mutations in 288 HNSCCs and 58 head and neck papillomas/polyps.
  • Genomic analysis for KRAS, BRAF, and HER2 mutations in SNSCCs.

Main Results:

  • EGFR mutations were found in 30% of sinonasal SCCs (SNSCCs) and 90% of ISPs.
  • Notably, 88% of SNSCCs co-occurring with ISPs showed EGFR mutations in both tumor types.
  • No KRAS, BRAF, or HER2 mutations were detected in SNSCCs.

Conclusions:

  • EGFR mutations are prevalent in ISPs and associated SNSCCs, suggesting a potential precursor-malignancy relationship.
  • EGFR-mutated SNSCCs may represent a distinct molecular subtype within head and neck cancers.
Keywords:
EGFRKRAShead and neckinverted papillomasinonasal squamous cell carcinomasquamous cell papilloma

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