Background: Different studies have demonstrated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) status as an independent prognostic factor for ovarian cancer (OC). Recent studies in non-small cell lung cancer suggest that the presence of a clinical response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors correlates with somatic mutations in the kinase domain of EGFR, exons 18-21. For patients with OC, data are not available on EGFR gene mutation.
Materials and methods: Shock-frozen samples from 32 patients with OC were screened for L858R deletion mutations of EGFR within exon 21 of the kinase domain and 15 bp deletion in exon 19. Additionally, nine commercially available OC cell lines and 32 established OC lines were analysed.
Results: In cell lines, as well as in tumor samples, stratified to platinum-free therapy interval, no mutation of the EGFR gene was observed.
Conclusion: Mutations in the kinase domain of the EGFR, exons 19 and 21, are absent or very infrequent in patients with OC.