Combined EGFR/ALK Expression Analysis in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

In Vivo. 2019 May-Jun;33(3):815-819. doi: 10.21873/invivo.11544.

Abstract

Background/aim: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) acts as an oncogene in malignancies. Our aim was to examine the role of combined EGFR/ anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) expression as molecular markers in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) patients.

Materials and methods: Fifty (n=50) tissue sections derived from twenty-five (n=25) primary LSCCs were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: EGFR overexpression was observed in 17/25 (68%) cases. Concerning ALK, 23/25 (92%) demonstrated low expression. EGFR expression was associated with grade (p=0.049), whereas ALK expression was correlated with stage (p=0.048). ALK overexpression was detected at advanced-stage EGFR-positive cases. A biphasic EGFR protein expression pattern was observed in five (n=5) LSCC cases, whereas ALK expression was stable in all cases.

Conclusion: EGFR overexpression is frequently observed in LSCC combined with low ALK expression. LSCC patients with EGFR/ALK protein overexpression should be eligible for targeted therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: ALK; Carcinoma; EGFR; larynx.

MeSH terms

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase / genetics
  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Neoplasm Staging

Substances

  • Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors