Significance of phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor, matrix metalloproteinases, and E-cadherin in oral cancer

Objective: The most challenging problem in oral cancer is late monitoring and disease spread (metastasis). The study aimed to simultaneously evaluate phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor (pEGFR), truncated E-cadherin protein, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in patients with oral cancer. Methodology: pEGFR and truncated E-cadherin protein were measured from 25 paired tissues by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. Plasma MMPs levels were studied by gelatin zymography from 100 controls and 100 patients with oral cancer. The results revealed significant higher expression of pEGFR and truncated E-cadherin protein in malignant oral cancer tissues as compared to adjacent normal. Plasma MMPs were significantly elevated in patients with oral cancer as compared to the controls. An increase in the levels of pEGFR and truncated E-cadherin protein was observed in advanced and metastatic disease as compared to early and nonmetastatic disease. The levels of MMPs were increased in advanced disease as compared to early disease. Kaplan–Meier's survival analysis indicated that elevated expression of pEGFR, truncated E-cadherin protein, active MMP-2, pro MMP-9, total MMP-2, and total MMP-9 has reduced the overall survival. Conclusion: Simultaneous elevation of pEGFR, truncated E-cadherin protein, and MMPs indicated its role in oral carcinogenesis. Further combination therapies targeting these markers might help in combating oral cancer.