Is resectability rate reduced following biliary drainage for resectable perihilar cholangiocarcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor cells has been associated with a poor prognosis, but also offers the therapeutic option of pharmacologically targeting these receptors. The role of EGFR in hepatic malignancies is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of the EGFR in gallbladder cancer and cholangiocarcinomas. Methods: Paraffin-embedded samples from 60 patients with carcinomas of the biliary tract were studied. Clinicopathologic features were assessed. The immunohistochemical for EGFR were performed and scored independently by two pathologists. Results: The age of patients was 59 years (range, 28e83). From the 60 patients examined 22 (36.6%) had gallbladder cancer (GB) and 38 (63.3%) cholangiocarcinoma, 9 (23.7%) had intrahepatic, 22 (57.9) perihilar, and 7(18.4%) distal cholangiocarcinomas. Intraductal growth type was identified in 14 (36.8%) cases of cholangiocarcinomas. EFGR was positive in 44% of the GB cancer, and 50% of the cholangiocarcinomas. Conclusions: EGFR was positive in about half of the biliary tract cancer.