Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in colorectal cancer in Slovakia

Abstract

20103 Background: EGFR is involved in the epidermal growth factor pathway that regulates cellular processes and is associated with the development of malignancy.EGFR targeted therapy could be an alternative option to improve clinical outcome in tumors with EGFR expression. Methods: From 09/2004 till 12/2005 we evaluated histologic specimens of 130 patients (89 male, 41 female) with colorectal cancer. EGFR expression was examined by immunohistochemistry using theEGFR Detection Kit (Dako Corporation) in paraffin-embedded colon/rectum tumors and graded as percentage of cells stained. Results: EGFR positivity (1% and more) was observed in 106 pts (81.5%) and EGFR negativity in 24 pts (18.5%). Median of positivity in percentage is 40 (1–95). Conclusions: The EGF receptor is overexpressed in many human tumors and is a promising therapeutic target. No significant financial relationships to disclose.