Prognostic Value of Epithelial Growth Factor Receptor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, E-Cadherin, and p120 Catenin in Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction Several markers have been investigated to predict the prognosis of lung cancer. In the present study, the prognostic values of epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), E-cadherin, and p120 catenin expression were investigated by immunohistochemistry in patients with a surgically resected non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Patients and method EGFR, VEGF, E-cadherin, and p120 catenin expression were prospectively determined in resected specimens from patients with NSCLC who had undergone surgery between 2003 and 2007. Patients’ and disease-related general characteristics and survival rate were recorded. Results One hundred seventeen patients with a mean age of 61.3 years were included in the study. After a mean follow-up of 27.5 months, the median survival was determined to be 44.0 months and the 5-year survival was 46.2%. The 5-year survival in negative and positive staining groups were as follows; 32% and 66.7% for EGFR ( P=.02), 37.8%, and 50.7% for VEGF ( P=.5), 41% and 66% for E-cadherin ( P=.19), and 46% and 50% for p120 catenin ( P=.27). The differentiation, N status, stage, and EGFR staining were variables significantly affecting survival ( P=.001, .006, .03, and .02, respectively). In multivariate Cox analysis, the EGFR staining level and N status were variables those significantly affecting survival ( P=.021 and P=.010). Conclusions While negative staining of EGFR was related with poor survival, staining of VEGF, E-cadherin, and p120 catenin were not related with survival in patients with resected NSCLC.