Relationship between epidermal growth factor receptor and other prognostic factors in gynecological cancers.

In 62 cases of gynecological malignancies, 16 of the ovarian, 31 of the endometrium and 15 of the cervix, the EGF-R status was evaluated in order to establish its prognostic value and its correlation with other classical prognostic factors. We have failed to demonstrate any correlation between EGF-R status and stage, grade and hormonal receptors, ER/PgR, in ovarian and cervical cancer. In contrast, in endometrial cancer, we observed significantly lower levels of EGF-R in poorly differentiated tumors. Moreover, a weak negative relationship between EGF-R and PgR status was found. Regarding survival, we noticed a better prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer EGF-R positive, but without statistical significance.