Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor in normal colonic mucosa and in adenocarcinomas of the colon.

The levels of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGF-R) were investigated in normal colon mucosa and in adenocarcinomas of the colon. The frequency of expression and localization of epidermal growth factor receptors were examined by immunohistochemistry in 17 carcinomas (well differentiated) and adjacent non-involved normal colon mucosa. EGF-R was observed that expression in carcinomas were significantly higher than in normal colon mucosa. EGF-R may be useful as a marker in malignant potential of adenocarcinomas. Furthermore, the detection of EGF-R expression in biopsy materials by immunohistochemistry staining offers precise diagnostic information of the involvement of adenocarcinomas.