Chromogenic in situ hybridization accurately identifies EGFR amplification in small cell glioblastoma multiforme, a common subtype of primary GBM

Primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) commonly overexpresses the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and its ligand-independent mutant, EGFRvIII. Amplification of the EGFR gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary GBM, in particular the small cell phenotype, and this finding m...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inClinical neuropathology Vol. 24; no. 4; p. 163
Main Authors Quezado, M, Ronchetti, R, Rapkiewicz, A, Santi, M, Blumenthal, D T, Rushing, E J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.07.2005
Subjects
Brain Neoplasms - classification
Brain Neoplasms - genetics
Brain Neoplasms - pathology
Carcinoma, Small Cell - genetics
Carcinoma, Small Cell - pathology
Cell Size
Chromogenic Compounds - analysis
Gene Amplification - genetics
Glioblastoma - classification
Glioblastoma - genetics
Glioblastoma - pathology
Humans
In Situ Hybridization - methods
Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor - genetics
Online AccessGet more information

Cover

More Information
Summary:Primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) commonly overexpresses the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene and its ligand-independent mutant, EGFRvIII. Amplification of the EGFR gene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of primary GBM, in particular the small cell phenotype, and this finding may contribute to its aggressive clinical behavior. Anti-EGFR clinical trials for GBM are being conducted, and it would be useful to identify a rapid technique to determine whether EGFR expression and the small cell phenotype are associated with a response to therapy. In the present study we examined 56 cases of GBM using chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). CISH analysis and morphology identified 22 small cell (SCGBM) and 22 non-small cell glioblastoma (NSCGBM), and 12 cases of a mixed phenotype. Fourteen cases of SCGBM (14/22) showed EGFR amplification, while only 5 NSCGBM (5/22) cases showed amplification. We have therefore used CISH as an efficient, economic and reliable means for routinely assessing EGFR amplification in GBM, including the small cell variant.
ISSN:0722-5091