Transforming growth factor alpha and epidermal growth factor receptor in reactive and malignant mesothelial proliferations.
BACKGROUND
Growth factors such as transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) play an important role in cell proliferation. The immunohistochemical expression of these factors has been extensively studied in malignant tumors including mesothelioma. However, the comparative expression of these growth factors in mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial proliferations has been less well studied.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible role of TGF-alpha and EGFR in the clinically important distinction between reactive mesothelial proliferations and malignant mesothelioma.


METHODS
The expression of TGF-alpha and EGFR was studied in 39 cases of mesothelioma and 30 cases of reactive mesothelial proliferations by means of immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Fourteen (70%) of 20 reactive mesothelial proliferations tested and 29 (76%) of 38 mesotheliomas tested expressed TGF-alpha. One (3%) of 30 reactive mesothelial proliferations and 17 (45%) of 39 mesotheliomas expressed EGFR.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest an up-regulation of EGFR in mesothelioma as compared with reactive mesothelial proliferations. This up-regulation further suggests a possible use of EGFR as an adjunct immunohistochemical test in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial proliferations.
Cai
Yun-Cai
YC
Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01655, USA.
Roggli
Victor
V
Mark
Eugene
E
Cagle
Philip T
PT
Fraire
Armando E
AE
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors