EGFR Levels in Colorectal Cancer vs Normal Tissue
Author Information
Author(s): P.G. Koenders, W.H.M. Peters, Th. Wobbes, L.V.A.M. Beex, F.M. Nagengast, Th.J. Benraad
Primary Institution: University Hospital Nijmegen
Hypothesis
Are epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) levels different in colorectal carcinoma compared to normal colorectal tissue?
Conclusion
EGFR levels are significantly lower in colorectal carcinoma compared to normal colorectal mucosa.
Supporting Evidence
- EGFR levels were significantly higher in normal colorectal mucosa than in colorectal carcinoma samples.
- The median EGFR levels in normal mucosa were 77.5 fmol/mg of membrane protein compared to 46 fmol/mg in carcinoma.
- Significant regional differences in EGFR expression were found in normal human colon mucosa.
Takeaway
This study found that the levels of a protein called EGFR are lower in cancerous parts of the colon than in healthy parts.
Methodology
A standardized ligand binding assay was used to analyze paired samples of colorectal carcinoma and normal colorectal mucosa.
Limitations
The study only included non-familial adenomatous colorectal cancer patients and may not represent all colorectal cancer types.
Participant Demographics
14 males and 10 females, median age 62 and 72 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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