Expression of EGFR and Cerb-B2 as prognostic factors in cancer of the tongue

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the tongue is sometimes associated with local recurrence and regional metastases despite adequate surgical excision. The present study sought to determine if epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Cerb-B2 expression has prognostic or predictive value in SCC of the tongue, as with other epithelial malignancies. The study sample comprised of 27 patients with carcinoma of the tongue who underwent partial glossectomy and neck dissection between 1990 and 1999. Average follow-up was 54 months. Specimens from 23 patients were analyzed for growth factor expression using monoclonal antibodies specific for EGFR and Cerb-B2. Findings were correlated with the clinical course. EGFR and Cerb-B2 were expressed in 34% and 17% of the specimens, respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between EGFR expression and tumor differentiation, and a borderline correlation between Cerb-B2 expression and T stage. No association was found between growth factor expression and tumor depth, lymph node status, extracapsular invasion, recurrence, or survival. Overexpression of EGFR and Cerb-B2 cannot serve as a prognostic factor or predictor of survival and treatment success in SCC of the tongue.