title: High expression of epidermal growth factor receptor might predict poor survival in patients with colon cancer: a meta-analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been recognized as a molecular target for antibody-based therapy in various cancer types. Here we aimed to analyze the relation between high expression of EGFR and postoperational survival in patients with colon cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  A meta-analysis was performed by searching PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Science Direct databases from 1960 to June 2012. Data were extracted from studies comparing survival in colon cancer patients having higher EGFR expression with those having lower levels. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four studies including 815 colon cancer patients were subjected to final analysis. Comparing to patients with low expression of EGFR, the HR of postoperational survival for patients with high EGFR expression was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.83-2.99), which could significantly predict poorer survival.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High expression of EGFR might predict poor survival for patients with colon cancer.
authors: Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China. hongliu180@126.com
authors: Liu
authors: L
authors: Hong
authors: Yu
authors: Y
authors: Han
authors: Hongwei
authors: H
authors: Zhang
authors: Qingchuan
authors: Q
authors: Zhao
authors: Jianjun
authors: J
authors: Yang
authors: Nita
authors: N
authors: Ahuja
mesh_terms: D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000401:mortality*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D015854:Up-Regulation
chemical_list: D066246:ErbB Receptors