[Epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification and E-cadherin expression in head and neck carcinomas].
BACKGROUND
The E-cadherin adhesion molecule is fundamentally involved in the maintenance of normal epithelial morphology and differentiation. The scattering and invasion of cancer cells induced by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation has been suggested to be probably by affecting E-cadherin function. The aim of this study is to confirm whether EGFR amplification is related to E-cadherin expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.


METHODS
Fifty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were studied. EGFR amplification was analyzed by semiquantitative PCR. E-cadherin expressión was determined by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
EGFR amplification was found in 9 cases (18%). E-cadherin expression was generally weaker in tumors than in adjacent normal epithelium. No relationship was found between EGFR amplification and E-cadherin expression.


CONCLUSIONS
EGFR amplification did not affect the level of E-cadherin expression, suggesting a complementary role of both of these molecules in reduction of cellular adhesion in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.
Rodrigo Tapia
J P
JP
Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Central de Asturias, Instituto Universitario de Oncologia del Principado de Asturias, Universidad de Oviedo, Asturias. juanpablo.rodrigo@sespa.princast.es
Domínguez Iglesias
F
F
Alvarez Marcos
C
C
González Meana
M V
MV
García Pedrero
J
J
Suárez Nieto
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015820:Cadherins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D005784:Gene Amplification; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D015820:Cadherins; D066246:ErbB Receptors