Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Identification of EGFR and RAS Inhibitors using Caenorhabditis elegans
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Identification of EGFR and RAS Inhibitors using Caenorhabditis elegans

Published on: October 5, 2020

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CYTOPLASMIC-MEMBRANE EGFR PREDICTS EXPANDED RAS MUTATION STATUS IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMAS?

Thiago David Alves Pinto1, Thaís David das Neves Alves1, Sebastião Alves Pinto1,2

  • 1Department of Pathology, Goiano Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Cirurgia Digestiva : ABCD = Brazilian Archives of Digestive Surgery
|June 16, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

EGFR expression analysis can predict RAS mutations in colorectal cancer patients, offering a more accessible diagnostic tool. This method shows strong association and high accuracy for guiding treatment decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Diagnostic Pathology

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors are key for metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC) patients without KRAS/NRAS mutations.
  • RAS mutation testing is costly and inaccessible.
  • EGFR expression via immunohistochemistry may predict RAS mutational status, offering a cost-effective alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between clinical-pathological data, EGFR expression, and RAS mutational status in colorectal carcinoma.
  • To assess the utility of EGFR expression as a predictive biomarker for RAS mutations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 139 colorectal carcinoma patient samples.
  • Immunohistochemistry for EGFR expression (cytoplasmic-membrane).
  • Analysis of KRAS and NRAS (expanded RAS) mutational status.

Main Results:

  • RAS mutations were found in 56.1% of cases.
  • EGFR expression was positive in 16.5%, negative in 35.2%, and uncertain in 48.2%.
  • A strong association (p<0.001) was observed between EGFR expression (positive/negative) and RAS mutational status, with 86.1% accuracy.

Conclusions:

  • Cytoplasmic-membrane EGFR expression analysis can predict RAS mutational status in colorectal carcinoma.
  • This method demonstrates significant predictive value (p<0.001) and high accuracy (86.1%).
  • EGFR expression testing offers a potentially more accessible diagnostic approach for mCRC treatment selection.

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