Combined Overexpression of EGFR and Estrogen Receptor α Correlates with a Poor Outcome in Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic significance of the combined overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and estrogen receptor α (ER-α) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods: An immunohistochemical assessment of EGFR and ER-α expression was carried out in tumor specimens from 122 consecutive NSCLC patients after surgery. Results: Of the 122 tumors examined, 57 (46.7%) overexpressed EGFR, 63 (51.6%) overexpressed ER-α, while 33 (27%) overexpressed both EGFR and ER-α. Univariate analyses showed that the overexpression of EGFR or ER-α correlated with the histological grade (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively) and a poorer prognosis (p=0.007), while overexpression of ER-α also correlated with smoking (p=0.02). Multivariate analysis showed the combined overexpression of EGFR and ER-α to be an independent indicator of poorer prognosis (p=0.0006). Conclusion: The combined overexpression of EGFR and ER-α in NCLSC patients is predictive of poor outcome and, thus, represents a valuable prognostic factor.