Abstract
Aim-Background
Colorectal adenocarcinoma is one of the most common malignancies in humans. Consequently, several studies attempt to determine prognosis and clarify a better potential therapeutic utility in therapy-resistant tumours. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is implicated in tumorigenesis and has an important role in cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastatic spread. It is also a therapeutic target for many malignancies. This study aimed to investigate the expression of EGFR in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its correlation with lymph node metastases.
Methods
Seventy-six paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were used from colectomies due to colorectal adenocarcinomas. The immunohistochemical expression of EGFR was statistically correlated with the presence of lymph node metastases using the Pearson Chi-Square test.
Results
EGFR expression was positive in 55 of the 76 cases, in 38 of which lymph node metastases were observed as opposed to the remaining 17 cases. Respectively, EGFR was negative in 21 cases, in six of which lymph node metastases were observed, while in the remaining 15, there was no such evidence.
Conclusion
A statistically significant correlation (p=0,002) was revealed between EGFR expression and the presence of lymph node metastases. This result is consistent with most of the international literature.
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Kapogiannatos, G., Margaritis, D., Alevizou, R. et al. Immunohistochemical expression of EGFR in colorectal adenocarcinoma and its correlation with the presence of lymph node metastases. Hellenic J Surg 87, 364–367 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-015-0242-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13126-015-0242-1