Epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in human ovarian cancer
1991

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors in Ovarian Cancer

Sample size: 150 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): O.J. Owens, C. Stewart, I. Brown, R.E. Leake

Primary Institution: Glasgow University

Hypothesis

What is the incidence of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in ovarian cancer and is there a correlation with tumor differentiation and disease stage?

Conclusion

EGFR was present in 39.7% of ovarian cancer samples, with no significant correlation found between its presence and tumor differentiation or disease stage.

Supporting Evidence

  • EGFR was found in 39.7% of ovarian cancer samples.
  • Presence of EGFR varied from 36.4% in mucinous tumors to 47.7% in undifferentiated tumors.
  • Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between EGFR presence and tumor differentiation or disease stage.

Takeaway

This study looked at ovarian cancer samples to see how many had a specific receptor called EGFR, and found that about 4 out of 10 had it, but it didn't seem to matter how advanced the cancer was.

Methodology

The study analyzed 199 samples from 150 patients using a single point screen and full Scatchard analysis to determine the presence of EGFR.

Limitations

The study could not confirm the prognostic significance of EGFR due to insufficient follow-up time and the heterogeneity of ovarian tumors.

Participant Demographics

Patients included a range of ages from 25 to 88, with the majority being in stages 3 and 4 of ovarian cancer.

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