Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) content was determined by a radioligand receptor assay in 140 primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas (median value of 8.4 fmol mg-1 protein, range 0-169.9 fmol mg-1 protein). Cox univariate regression analysis using EGFR as a continuous variable showed that EGFR levels are directly associated with the risk of death (chi 2 = 14.56, P-value = 0.0001) and relapse (chi 2 = 7.77, P-value = 0.0053). A significant relationship between EGFR status and survival was observed at the different arbitrary cut-off values chosen (8, 16 and 20 fmol mg-1 protein). The cut-off value of 20 fmol mg-1 protein was the best prognostic discriminator. In fact, the 5 year survival was 81% for patients with EGFR- tumours compared with 25% for patients with EGFR+ tumours (P < 0.0001). The 5 year relapse-free survival was 77% for patients with EGFR- tumours compared with 24% for patients with EGFR+ tumours (P < 0.010). When clinicopathological parameters and EGFR status were examined in the multivariate analysis, T classification and EGFR status retained an independent prognostic value. In this study we demonstrated that high EGFR levels single out patients with poor prognosis in laryngeal cancer.
Highlights
Summary Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) content was determined by a radioligand receptor assay in 140 primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinomas
A significant relationship between EGFR status and survival was observed at the different arbitrary cut-off values chosen (8, 16 and 20 fmol mg- 1 protein)
The 5 year relapse-free survival was 77% for patients with EGFR- tumours compared with 24% for patients with EGFR+ tumours (P
Summary
Our study included 140 primary laryngeal cancer patients admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology of the Catholic University of Rome. All patients were staged according to TNM classification (Hermanek and Sobin, 1992) and tumours graded as well (GI), moderately (G2) and poorly (G3) differentiated. Tumours were classified as supraglottic, glottic or transglottic when the extent of disease did not permit identification of the original site. Seventy-three patients underwent radical laryngectomy and sixty-seven had conservative surgery (i.e. cordectomy, horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy and hemilaryngectomy). None of the patients received preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy. All the patients with relapse or regional neck metastasis underwent salvage surgery or irradiation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
