Assessing epidermal growth factor receptor expression in tumours: What is the value of current test methods?

摘要: Over-expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumours is associated with aggressive disease and poor clinical prognosis. In theory, EGFR status a tumour provides an indication likelihood response to EGFR-targeted therapy. However, data do not support relationship between expression therapies cetuximab, gefitinib erlotinib. Recently, patients who appear lack have been shown respond cetuximab. Possible causes for this paradox include false negative results due sensitivity detection system, heterogeneity within specific mutations that mediate tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Immunohistochemistry most reliable assay but its interpretation confounded by non-standard techniques. Other approaches measuring can be considered at best exploratory point. Further work needed identify how contributes carcinogenic metastatic processes. As there some doubt as usefulness immunohistochemistry screen select treatment. Histopathology will continue essential unravelling role enigmatic molecule refining legitimate target cancer