Immunohistochemical analysis of epidermal growth factor receptors expression in malignant ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency of EGFR expression in patients having malignant and benign ovarian tumors and to analyze its relation to some clinico-pathological factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study 71 patients with malignant and 19 with benign ovarian tumors were included for the period 1999-2004. We utilized immunohistochemical analysis with monoclonal mouse antihuman EGFR antibody and EGFR pharm Dx kit (DAKO). RESULTS: The frequency of EGFR expression for the malignant ovarian tumours was 62.9% compared to 36.8% for the benign ones (p = 0.042). The patients with peritoneal washing positive for tumour cells and those with progressing cancer express EGFR significantly more frequently, 77% and 75%, respectively (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malignant ovarian tumours have significantly greater frequency of EGFR expression compared to benign ovarian tumours.