Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) expression in different endometrial cancers.
The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) in endometrial cancer is still controversial. In this study the immunostaining of EGF-R and TGFA, investigated in 44 cases, proved to be related to endometrial cancer histotype regardless of the tumor grade or the extent of myometrial invasion. In fact, EGF-R expression was observed in 12.5% (1/8) of cases with classical endometrioid adenocarcinoma, in 91% (10/11) with endometrial adenocarcinoma and benign squamous metaplasia, and in 35% (6/17) with adenosquamous carcinoma. TGFA expression was concomitant with EGF-R in the first two histotypes, and was present in about 50% (9/17) of the latter. Conversely, in mucinous and serous papillary adenocarcinoma, EGF-R and TGFA immunostaining was not observed. In conclusion, EGF-R positivity was observed in endometrial cancer with squamous differentiation, especially in those cases with benign squamous metaplasia. EGF-R and TGFA coexpression appeared as a constant feature of benign squamous metaplasia.
Jasonni
V M
VM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Orsola General Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
Amadori
A
A
Santini
D
D
Ceccarelli
C
C
Naldi
S
S
Flamigni
C
C
D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors