EGFR-1 Expression in Meningioma: Insights into Gender Distribution and Grade

Abstract

Objective: Meningioma is the most common primary brain. Histopathological grading (from I to III) is essential for prognostication and therapeutic decisions. EGFR-1 overexpression has been implicated in tumor progression and poor outcomes in various cancers. However, its role in meningioma pathophysiology and gender disparities remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the expression of EGFR-1 in grade I and grade II meningioma and explore associations with clinicopathological parameters. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital in collaboration with the Neurosurgery Department, Histopathology Laboratory of Ayub Medical College, and Health Diagnostic Laboratory. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used to include meningioma patients aged 23-54 years after obtaining ethical approval. Data was collected from medical records, and histopathological examination and immunohistochemical analysis were performed on meningioma tissue samples. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25, and associations between clinicopathological parameters and EGFR-1 expression were evaluated using appropriate tests. Results: We included 39 meningioma patients, with a female predominance of 22 (56.4%). The majority had grade I tumors (89.7%). EGFR-1 expression was observed as severe 30 (76.9%), moderate 7 (17.9%), and mild 2 (5.1%). No significant association was found between gender and meningioma grade or EGFR-1 expression. However, a significant association was observed between meningioma grade and EGFR-1 expression in grade I tumors (p = 0.049), but not in grade II tumors (p = 0.248). Conclusions: A significant correlation between meningioma grade and EGFR-1 expression in Grade I meningioma suggests that EGFR expression could serve as a prognostic biomarker.