Correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor status and clinical outcome in gastric carcinoma

Analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was performed on 242 primary gastric carcinomas and the results correlated with histologic findings and S-phase fractions measured by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. They were stained for EGFR by means of an indirect immunoperoxidase technique using a monoclonal antibody against the receptor. Seventy-six of these cancer tissues exhibited EGFR reactivities. All the cancer cell membranes were stained and sometimes the stroma were stained. These EGFR status were then compared on the basis of pathologic findings including macroscopic type, depth of invasion, differentiation type, vascular invasion and lymph node metastasis. Staining for EGFR in Borrmann's 3 or 4 type was significantly stronger than those in other macroscopic types. The staining for EGFR was closely related to the poorly differentiated type and frequent serosal involvement. BrdU labeling index was studied in 25 cases. These values were from 2.3% to 18.6%, with a mean of 10.4%. The mean BrdU labeling index of EGFR positive cases was 12.2%, of negative cases 7.6%, respectively. There was a good correlation between BrdU labeling index and EGFR status. In addition, There was a signifiCANT 8P less than 0.05) correlation between the presence of the EGFR and poor prognosis. However, EGFR status was not significantly correlated with the lymph node metastasis, vessel invasion and size of the tumors. These results indicate that demonstration of EGFR status may be useful in prognosis and this receptor may be a suitable target for therapy.