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.
Conclusion: Expressions of EGFR and p-ERK are detected in NPC. Their abnormally high expression signifies poor prognosis in NPC patients.