Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Urinary Bladder Cancer Metastases

Abstract

Bladder cancers frequently exhibit an increased number of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) in comparison to normal urothelium. The EGFR could potentially be a target for toxic conjugates. The aim of our study was to compare the expression of EGFR in metastases with concurrent or primary tumour in the urinary bladder using immunohistochemical techniques and a monoclonal antibody. Tumour material from 20 patients was investigated. The majority (13/20) of the metastases were homogeneously stained and showed a moderate to strong membranous staining for EGFR. The expression of EGFR in primary bladder tumours and metastases was similar. There was no indication that tumour tissue exposed to chemotherapy or radiation had a decreased number of EGFR. Targeting of the EGFR thus seems potentially applicable to metastatic disease. Int. J. Cancer 76:189–193, 1998.© 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor family in normal and malignant urothelium

“…The staining for EGFR in NU samples was faint and barely detectable, which has also been reported previously [8]. The staining for ERBB3 was distinct, whereas that for ERBB4 was strong.…”

“…In bladder cancer, amplifications or rearrangements in the EGFR gene are not frequently detected [5]. The proportion of patients with bladder cancer (over‐)expressing EGFR protein has been reported to be 27–86%[6–9]. Some studies have shown that expression of EGFR increases with T category and grade, but apparently in a nonlinear pattern.…”

“…Some studies have shown that expression of EGFR increases with T category and grade, but apparently in a nonlinear pattern. A marked up‐regulation was reported in precursor lesions (carcinoma in situ , CIS) than in superficial tumours, but there was no further increase when comparing CIS and muscle‐invasive tumours, nor between primary tumours and corresponding metastases [8,10]. Another study showed a significant increase in EGFR protein levels comparing T1 and T2–4 tumours [11].…”

Epidermal growth factor receptor and bladder cancer

“…58 Work by Bue et al in bladder cancer metastases has shown a positive correlation between the EGFR status of primary bladder tumours and associated metastases. 59 By targeting therapies at inhibition of EGFR not only would it be possible to attempt to improve prognosis in the treatment of primary EGFR expressing tumours but it may also be possible to selectively target EGFR expressing metastases, irrespective of the primary tumour's EGFR status.…”

A phase II trial of cisplatin, fixed dose‐rate gemcitabine and gefitinib for advanced urothelial tract carcinoma: results of the Cancer and Leukaemia Group B 90102

“…In patients with bladder cancer EGFR expression is associated with primary tumour stage, and in selected studies appears to predict tumour recurrence, progression and patient survival [10–13]. Although the patterns and prognostic value of EGFR expression in metastatic urothelial tract cancer have not been established, there were strong EGFR immunostaining patterns in most (13/20) bladder cancer metastases in one study [14]. Therefore EGFR represents a potential therapeutic target in urothelial carcinoma [9].…”