Endometrial stromal sarcomas frequently express epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, HER-1): potential basis for a new therapeutic approach

Am J Surg Pathol. 2005 Apr;29(4):485-9. doi: 10.1097/01.pas.0000155149.83541.24.

Abstract

Endometrial stromal sarcomas are rare malignant mesenchymal uterine tumors. The expressions of different epidermal growth factor receptors such as EGFR (HER-1), HER-2, HER-3, and HER-4 have not yet been examined in these tumors. Twenty-three cases of endometrial sarcomas consisting of 20 low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas and 3 undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas were examined immunohistochemically for EGFR (HER-1), HER-2, HER-3, and HER-4. EGFR (HER-1) was positive in 17 of 23 (74%) cases. While the three undifferentiated endometrial sarcomas were positive for EGFR, 14 of 20 (70%) low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas showed positive reactions for EGFR. All examined cases were negative for HER-2, HER-3, and HER-4. This study is the first to show common expression of EGFR (HER-1) in endometrial stromal sarcomas. This finding may provide the basis for a new therapeutic strategy using monoclonal antibodies against EGFR (such as cetuximab) or small molecule inhibitors of EGFR (such as gefitinib) in patients with endometrial sarcomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / metabolism*
  • Sarcoma, Endometrial Stromal / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • ErbB Receptors