Coexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor and ligands in human pancreatic cancer is associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness.

摘要: Immunohistochemical analysis for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), EGF and transforming factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) was performed in 87 human pancreatic carcinomas. Expression frequencies EGFR, EGF, TGF-alpha were 43%, 46% 54%, respectively. Coexpression of at least one its ligands occurred 38% tumors, correlated with large tumor size, advanced clinical staging, decreased survival period. In situ hybridization revealed that respective mRNAs also overexpressed These findings suggest coexpression EGFR may contribute to aggressiveness cancer.