Epidermal growth factor receptor expression in stage II-III colon carcinoma: A preliminary study

9718 Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protoncogen that is found overexpressed in colorectal carcinomas (CRC) and it correlates with a worse prognosis. The aim was to describe EGFR overexpression patterns in non-metastatic CRC and to correlate these data with follow-up. Methods: We analyzed a series of 56 CRC. Inclusion criteria were: a) resected primary adenocarcinoma; b) curative surgery; c) pT3 N0–2 M0 without progression during the first 6 months post surgery; d) minimum follow-up over 3 years. EGFR overexpression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the Dako PharmaDx kit (Glostrup, Denmark). As positive control the Dako slides and a bloc cell of A431-AAM cells were used. Presence of cytoplasmic and membrane patterns (intensity 1(+), 2(+) and 3(+)) were evaluated as well as the percentage of positive cells. Statistical analysis: association between qualitative variables was analyzed by Fisher's exact test. Disease-free and overall survival distributions were estimate...