Comparative analysis of EGFR expression in tobacco-related and HPV-associated oral cancer

Differences in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression between tobacco-related and human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain insufficiently defined. Therefore, it is of interest to compare EGFR expression in 90 histopathologically confirmed OSCC cases, including tobacco-related OSCC and HPV-associated OSCC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to assess EGFR expression, while p16 immunostaining served as a surrogate marker for HPV status. Tobacco-related OSCC demonstrated higher EGFR expression than HPV-associated OSCC, indicating differences in tumor biology and therapeutic response. Thus, we show etiological variation in EGFR expression in OSCC, supporting development of targeted and personalized treatment strategies.