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EGFR protein overexpression and mutation in areca quid–associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in Taiwan
Author(s) -
Huang ShiangFu,
Chuang WenYu,
Chen IHow,
Liao ChunTa,
Wang HungMing,
Hsieh LingLing
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21067
Subject(s) - cancer research , epidermal growth factor receptor , immunohistochemistry , tyrosine kinase , mutation , areca , medicine , targeted therapy , cancer , biology , pathology , gene , receptor , biochemistry , structural engineering , nut , engineering
Abstract Background. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapy has been extensively assessed in human cancer treatment. We appraised the possible role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in areca quid (AQ)‐associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) by examining EGFR protein overexpression and its tyrosine kinase domain mutations.Methods. EGFR overexpression was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, and tyrosine kinase mutations was determined by direct sequencing of DNAs from 172 OSCC tumors.Results. Overexpression of EGFR was found in 27.9% (48 of 172) of the OSCCs and was associated with lymph node metastasis ( p = .013) and extracapsular spread ( p = .022). Only 1 (0.58%) OSCC displayed somatic EGFR mutation but in a silent form (T725T, ACG→ACA).Conclusion. EGFR‐targeted therapy might have some potential in AQ‐associated OSCCs for their EGFR frequently overexpressed, although EGFR mutations were rare. However, the feasibility of TKIs in AQ‐associated OSCCs needs further clinical testing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009