[Significance of EGFR and p-ERK expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To detect the expression of EGFR and p-ERK in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and investigate their clinical significance.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry LSAB method was adopted to detect the expression of EGFR and p-ERK. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software package (10.0) to correlate their expression with clinical characteristics and prognosis.


RESULTS
Positive staining for EGFR was observed in 39 of 55 cases (70.9%). The EGFR expression was correlated with clinical stage and gender. EGFR expression was correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) and shorter time to progression (TTP). Positive staining for p-ERK was observed in 29 of 55 cases (52.7%). There was a statistically significant association between positive p-ERK expression and advanced clinical stage. Positive p-ERK expression was correlated with poorer OS, disease-free survival (DFS) and TTP. EGFR expression was correlated with the expression of p-ERK. On multivariate analysis, age over 50 years was an independent poor prognostic factor for NPC. Both EGFR and p-ERK were not independent prognostic factors for NPC.


CONCLUSIONS
Expressions of EGFR and p-ERK are detected in NPC. Their abnormally high expression signifies poor prognosis in NPC patients.
Wang
Shu-sen
SS
Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
Guan
Zhong-zhen
ZZ
Xiang
Yan-qun
YQ
Wang
Bo
B
Lin
Tong-yu
TY
Jiang
Wen-qi
WQ
Zhang
Li
L
Zhang
Hui-zhong
HZ
Hou
Jing-hui
JH
D000367:Age Factors; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D012737:Sex Factors; D015996:Survival Rate
D066246:ErbB Receptors; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases