Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in gynecological malignancies.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (IEGF-R) levels were analyzed in 72 gynecological tumor specimens. Measurable EGR-R levels were found in a significant percentage of ovarian and uterine tumors. Moreover, all vulvar epidermoid carcinomas and uterine sarcomas analyzed were EGF-R positive. In all tumor types examined, scattered EGF-R levels were observed. Higher EGF-R levels were found in metastatic than in primary ovarian tumors. Moreover, EGF-R were found to be more expressed in less differentiated than in well-moderately differentiated endometrial tumors. Our results suggest a role of EGF or EGF-like substances in regulating the growth of gynecological malignancies, and indicate EGF-R expression as a possible prognostic factor.