EGFR Variant III and Its Role in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Chau Nicole G, Perez-Ordonez Bayardo, Zhang Katherine, Pham Nhu-An, Ho James, Zhang Tong, Ludkovski Olga, Wang Lisa, Chen Eric X, Tsao Ming-Sound, Kamel-Reid Suzanne, Siu Lillian L
Primary Institution: Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hypothesis
EGFRvIII and c-MET would be associated with poorer prognosis or response to EGFR TKI, while HPV and p16 expression would predict improved clinical outcomes and response to treatment.
Conclusion
EGFRvIII mutation appears to be an unexpected prognostic biomarker associated with better disease control in recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck regardless of treatment with erlotinib.
Supporting Evidence
- EGFRvIII mutation was detected in 22 patients (42%) and was associated with better disease control.
- The presence of HPV DNA was found in 38% of patients but was not associated with response, time to progression, or overall survival.
- Patients treated with erlotinib had a higher median overall survival compared to those treated with non-EGFR targeted agents.
Takeaway
This study looked at a special mutation in cancer cells that might help doctors understand how well patients will respond to treatment. It found that this mutation is common and can help control the disease.
Methodology
The study analyzed archival tumor specimens of 53 patients treated in 4 phase II trials for recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, using various molecular assays to detect biomarkers.
Potential Biases
Potential variation in marker status of primary tumor compared with recurrent or metastatic tumors.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and potential bias towards patients with available tumor specimens.
Participant Demographics
{"median_age":56,"gender_ratio":"12:41 female to male","race":{"Asian":8,"Black":42,"Caucasian":9,"Other":1},"smoking_status":{"current":33,"former":3,"never":15,"unknown":2}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.011
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.6-2.7
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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