Transforming Growth Factor α and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Reactive and Malignant Mesothelial Proliferations

Yun Cai Cai, Victor Roggli, Eugene Mark, Philip T. Cagle, Armando E. Fraire

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background.-Growth factors such as transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) play an important role in cell proliferation. The immunohistochemical expression of these factors has been extensively studied in malignant tumors including mesothelioma. However, the comparative expression of these growth factors in mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial proliferations has been less well studied. Objective.-To evaluate the possible role of TGF-α and EGFR in the clinically important distinction between reactive mesothelial proliferations and malignant mesothelioma. Methods.-The expression of TGF-α and EGFR was studied in 39 cases of mesothelioma and 30 cases of reactive mesothelial proliferations by means of immunohistochemistry. Results.-Fourteen (70%) of 20 reactive mesothelial proliferations tested and 29 (76%) of 38 mesotheliomas tested expressed TGF-α. One (3%) of 30 reactive mesothelial proliferations and 17 (45%) of 39 mesotheliomas expressed EGFR. Conclusions.-These results suggest an up-regulation of EGFR in mesothelioma as compared with reactive mesothelial proliferations. This up-regulation further suggests a possible use of EGFR as an adjunct immunohistochemical test in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial proliferations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)68-70
Number of pages3
JournalArchives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Volume128
Issue number1
StatePublished - Jan 2004

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Medical Laboratory Technology

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