Immunohistochemical Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Abstract

Introduction: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a tyrosine kinase receptor of the ErbB family, which is expressed or highly expressed in a variety of solid tumors, including oral cancers. Aims and objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of EGFR in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and methods: A series of 50 paraffin blocks with different grades of previously diagnosed OSCC were analyzed for EGFR, which was determined by standardised histopathology. A total of 32 (64%) cases out of 50 showed positivity for EGFR. Results: A total of 32 cases (64%) showed positivity for EGFR, although statistically, a nonsignificant p-value of 0.814 was obtained for EGFR. Conclusion : We noticed the correlation of increased membrane and cytoplasmic expression of EGFR in poorly differentiated grades of OSCC that can be utilized to predict the prognosis of the patients.