Overexpression of EGFR, COX2 and p53 in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients of Pakistan and correlation with prognosis

Abstract

Abstract Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the sixth leading cancer worldwide, ranks as the most common cancer in males, and the third most common in females in Pakistan. It is influenced by risk factors which are widely consumed in our population. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is mutated and overexpressed in a variety of cancers. Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) is a rate-limiting enzyme that is upregulated in many cancers. It is involved in angiogenesis, apoptosis and metastasis of neoplasia. TP53 mutation and overexpression have been correlated with poor survival in many cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The aim of our study was to observe the expression of EGFR, COX2 and p53 in OSCC and correlate the expression with patient’s overall survival, and validate these markers for personalized therapy. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of OSCC cases (n = 100) were used. Immunohistochemistry for EGFR, COX2 and p53 was performed using Dako monoclonal antibodies and EnVision system. Results There was a majority of males (55%) in our data set and the larger portion of patients was above 40 years of age (82%). Risk factor consumption was found in 73% of cases. EGFR overexpression was observed in 70%, COX2 in 55% and p53 in 67% of OSCC patients. Survival analysis revealed EGFR positive patients had markedly low overall survival (p = 0.098). Similarly, COX2 proved a good prognostic factor for patient survival (p = 0.013), while p53 overexpression was insignificant for survival (p = 0.107). Conclusions Our findings emphasize the role of EGFR, COX2 and p53 overexpression in OSCC patients. Molecular therapies targeted towards EGFR, COX2 and p53 may be used against Pakistani OSCC patients to improve prognosis. Legal entity responsible for the study Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. Funding Higher Education Commission, Pakistan. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.