title: EGFR polysomy in squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid. Report of two cases and review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid gland (PSCCT) is an uncommon malignancy characterized by a poor prognosis. A radical surgical approach combined with radiotherapy or chemotherapy is the generally accepted treatment for this tumor. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor modulating the cell proliferation and biological progression of many human epithelial tumors. The EGFR overexpression in PSCCT suggests an additional therapeutic option for the treatment of this tumor.
  
  
  METHODS
  The clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical profiles of two cases of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid in a 66-year-old and an 83-year-old woman are presented. EGFR status was valued in both cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Overexpression of EGFR protein was detected in 50% and 75% of the tumor cell membranes. EGRF gene polysomy was detected in both tumors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pharmaceuticals targeting EGFR may help to provide the rationale for an additional, novel therapeutic option for this rare tumor, especially when other therapeutic options have been exhausted.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento Integrato Servizi Diagnostici e di Laboratorio e di Medicina Legale, Universitá degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia , Italy. studpatneuro@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Luca Reggiani
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bonetti
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lupi
authors.forename: Margherita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trani
authors.forename: Nicoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Trani
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sartori
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schirosi
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bettelli
authors.forename: Giuliana
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zanelli
authors.forename: Livia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maccio
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maiorana
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000782:Aneuploidy; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D066246:ErbB Receptors