PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in uveal melanoma. EGFR is a transmembrane glycoprotein, and its expression has been correlated with the development of metastases in various malignancies. METHODS: Frozen sections from 22 primary uveal melanomas were examined for EGFR expression by a three-step immunoperoxidase staining, using a mouse anti-human EGFR IgG2b monoclonal antibody. The results were compared with patient survival and clinical and histopathologic parameters. RESULTS: EGFR expression could not be determined on one tumor due to excessive pigmentation. Two patients died of causes unrelated to melanoma, and two patients were lost to follow-up. Out of 21 tumors, six tumors showed immunoreactivity for EGFR. Five of these six patients (83%) died due to metastases, compared with 2 (17%) of 12 patients with no EGFR expression (Kaplan-Meier analysis P = 0.0004). EGFR-positive tumors tended to have a greater tumor prominence and a higher mitotic rate. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of EGFR was significantly correlated with death due to metastatic disease and therefore can be regarded as an important prognostic factor in human uveal melanoma.
PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in uveal melanoma. EGFR is a transmembrane glycoprotein, and its expression has been correlated with the development of metastases in various malignancies. METHODS: Frozen sections from 22 primary uveal melanomas were examined for EGFR expression by a three-step immunoperoxidase staining, using a mouse anti-humanEGFR IgG2b monoclonal antibody. The results were compared with patient survival and clinical and histopathologic parameters. RESULTS:EGFR expression could not be determined on one tumor due to excessive pigmentation. Two patients died of causes unrelated to melanoma, and two patients were lost to follow-up. Out of 21 tumors, six tumors showed immunoreactivity for EGFR. Five of these six patients (83%) died due to metastases, compared with 2 (17%) of 12 patients with no EGFR expression (Kaplan-Meier analysis P = 0.0004). EGFR-positive tumors tended to have a greater tumor prominence and a higher mitotic rate. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of EGFR was significantly correlated with death due to metastatic disease and therefore can be regarded as an important prognostic factor in humanuveal melanoma.
Authors: Nathalie A Kolandjian; Caimiao Wei; Sapna P Patel; Jessica L Richard; Tina Dett; Nicholas E Papadopoulos; Agop Y Bedikian Journal: Am J Clin Oncol Date: 2013-10 Impact factor: 2.339
Authors: Patrick T Logan; Bruno F Fernandes; Sebastian Di Cesare; Jean-Claude A Marshall; Shawn C Maloney; Miguel N Burnier Journal: Clin Exp Metastasis Date: 2008-03-12 Impact factor: 5.150
Authors: W Zuidervaart; P A van der Velden; M H Hurks; F A van Nieuwpoort; C J J Out-Luiting; A D Singh; R R Frants; M J Jager; N A Gruis Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2003-11-17 Impact factor: 7.640