EGFR and phosphorylated EGFR in relation to HPV and clinical outcome in tonsillar cancer.

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) and the presence of HPV is correlated to a better clinical outcome. To find additional biomarkers that, together with HPV, predict clinical outcome, the aim of the present study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and phosphorylated EGFR (pEGFR) in relation to HPV status and clinical outcome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 83 pre-treatment TSCC biopsies were analyzed for EGFR and pEGFR Tyr1068 and Tyr1148 by immunohistochemistry, and the obtained data were tested for correlation to tumor HPV status and disease-free survival.

RESULTS

The presence of pEGFR Tyr1068 and 1148, both correlated significantly to the absence of HPV. However, neither of these, nor total EGFR, correlated significantly to disease-free survival for HPV-positive or HPV-negative TSCC.

CONCLUSION

Since pEGFR Tyr1068 and 1148 are correlated to absence of HPV but not to clinical outcome, these may not be optimal prognostic markers for clinical outcome in patients with TSCC.