Epidermal growth factor receptor gene expression and binding capacity in renal cell carcinoma, in relation to tumor stage, grade and DNA ploidy.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFr) was studied in 19 renal cell carcinomas using competitive binding analysis and solution hybridization assay. EGFr binding capacity and EGFr mRNA expression were significantly higher in tumors in comparison with kidney cortex tissues. The EGFr binding capacity was higher in diploid than in aneuploid tumors. No differences in binding capacities or mRNA expression between different tumor grades or stages were demonstrated. It was concluded that EGFr is overexpressed in renal cell carcinoma, although with no relationship to tumor characteristics.