Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in ameloblastoma

Abstract

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor with possible lethal potential. Currently extensive surgery is the most acceptable treatment modality.

Aim: To investigate the presence of EGFR in ameloblastoma in order to consider using newly developed anti-EGFR therapeutic agents in cases of unresectable tumors. The study consisted of 58 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of ameloblastoma that were immunohistochemically stained with a monoclonal anti-EGFR antibody (clone 31G7). Positive and negative controls determined specificity of the antibody. A staining score based on the staining intensity and the proportion of stained cells was established, ranging between 0 and 2. All specimens were EGFR positive; 8 (14%) exhibited the maximum score of 2 and 19 (33%) scored between 1 and 2. Since ameloblastomas are EGFR-positive tumors, anti-EGFR agents could be considered to reduce the size of large tumors and to treat unresectable tumors that are in close proximity to vital structures.