BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been recognized as a molecular target for antibody-based therapy in various cancer types. Here we aimed to analyze the relation between high expression of EGFR and postoperational survival in patients with colon cancer. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Science Direct databases from 1960 to June 2012. Data were extracted from studies comparing survival in colon cancer patients having higher EGFR expression with those having lower levels. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Four studies including 815 colon cancer patients were subjected to final analysis. Comparing to patients with low expression of EGFR, the HR of postoperational survival for patients with high EGFR expression was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.83-2.99), which could significantly predict poorer survival. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of EGFR might predict poor survival for patients with colon cancer.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been recognized as a molecular target for antibody-based therapy in various cancer types. Here we aimed to analyze the relation between high expression of EGFR and postoperational survival in patients with colon cancer. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Science Direct databases from 1960 to June 2012. Data were extracted from studies comparing survival in colon cancerpatients having higher EGFR expression with those having lower levels. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Four studies including 815 colon cancerpatients were subjected to final analysis. Comparing to patients with low expression of EGFR, the HR of postoperational survival for patients with high EGFR expression was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.83-2.99), which could significantly predict poorer survival. CONCLUSIONS: High expression of EGFR might predict poor survival for patients with colon cancer.