EGFR Gene Mutations in Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Frequency and Association with Clinicopathological Features

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations are well recognized in lung cancer and several other epithelial tumors, but their role in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) remains unclear. Understanding their frequency and clinical relevance may provide insight into their potential therapeutic significance.

In this study, 30 paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients with TSCC were examined. Demographic and clinicopathological data, including age, sex, tumor stage, histological grade, and recurrence, were collected. DNA was extracted, and mutations in exons 18 to 21 of the EGFR gene were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses were performed to assess possible associations between EGFR mutation status and clinical or pathological features, as well as patient survival.

The mean age of the patients was 58.77 years, with an equal male-to-female distribution. EGFR mutation was identified in only one patient (3.3%), consisting of a deletion in exon 19. No significant associations were observed between EGFR mutation status and age, sex, tumor stage, histological grade, or recurrence. Survival analysis also showed no prognostic impact of EGFR mutation in this cohort.

EGFR mutation appears to be rare in TSCC and was not significantly associated with clinicopathological features or patient survival in this study. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and to clarify any potential therapeutic implications.