EGF Receptor and Mesothelioma Survival
Author Information
Author(s): H. Dazzil, P.S. Hasleton, N. Thatcher, S. Wilkes, R. Swindell, A.K. Chatterjee
Primary Institution: Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute
Hypothesis
The study investigates the relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) expression and survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Conclusion
EGF-R expression is not a reliable indicator of malignant transformation in mesothelioma but is associated with survival outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- 68% of mesotheliomas examined had EGF-R positive cells.
- Patients with <5% EGF-R positive cells had a median survival of 299 days.
- Patients with >5% EGF-R positive cells had a median survival of 446 days.
- EGF-R positivity was more common in the epithelial subtype of mesothelioma.
Takeaway
This study looked at how a specific protein, EGF-R, affects how long patients with a type of lung cancer called mesothelioma live. It found that having more of this protein doesn't always mean a better outcome.
Methodology
The study analyzed 34 paraffin-embedded specimens from mesothelioma patients and 8 from reactive pleura, using immunohistochemical staining to assess EGF-R expression.
Limitations
EGF-R could not distinguish between malignant and benign mesothelial tissue and was not an independent prognostic factor for survival.
Participant Demographics
The median age of mesothelioma patients was 61 years, with 29 males and 5 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.04
Statistical Significance
p=0.04
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