Epidermal growth factor receptor gene amplification and E-cadherin expression in head and neck carcinomas

• Published in: Acta otorrinolaringológica española Vol. 55; no. 10; p. 482
• Main Authors: Rodrigo Tapia, J P, Domínguez Iglesias, F, Alvarez Marcos, C, González Meana, M V, García Pedrero, J, Suárez Nieto, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.12.2004
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cadherins - biosynthesis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - genetics; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - metabolism; Gene Amplification; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Head and Neck Neoplasms - genetics; Head and Neck Neoplasms - metabolism; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor - genetics
• ISSN: 0001-6519
• DOI: 10.1016/s0001-6519(04)78558-1

The E-cadherin adhesion molecule is fundamentally involved in the maintenance of normal epithelial morphology and differentiation. The scattering and invasion of cancer cells induced by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation has been suggested to be probably by affecting E-cadherin function. The aim of this study is to confirm whether EGFR amplification is related to E-cadherin expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Fifty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma were studied. EGFR amplification was analyzed by semiquantitative PCR. E-cadherin expressión was determined by immunohistochemistry. EGFR amplification was found in 9 cases (18%). E-cadherin expression was generally weaker in tumors than in adjacent normal epithelium. No relationship was found between EGFR amplification and E-cadherin expression. EGFR amplification did not affect the level of E-cadherin expression, suggesting a complementary role of both of these molecules in reduction of cellular adhesion in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.