Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in ameloblastoma.
Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor with possible lethal potential. Currently extensive surgery is the most acceptable treatment modality.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of EGFR in ameloblastoma in order to consider using newly developed anti-EGFR therapeutic agents in cases of unresectable tumors. The study consisted of 58 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of ameloblastoma that were immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody (clone 31G7). Positive and negative controls determined specificity of the antibody. A staining score based on the staining intensity and the proportion of stained cells was established, ranging between 0 and 2. All specimens were EGFR positive; 8 (14%) exhibited the maximum score of 2 and 19 (33%) scored between 1 and 2. Since ameloblastomas are EGFR-positive tumors, anti-EGFR agents could be considered to reduce the size of large tumors and to treat unresectable tumors that are in close proximity to vital structures.
Vered
Marilena
M
Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Shohat
Izhar
I
Buchner
Amos
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000737:chemistry*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D016612:Paraffin Embedding
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D066246:ErbB Receptors