EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTOR (EGF-R) AND TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-ALPHA (TGFA) EXPRESSION IN DIFFERENT ENDOMETRIAL CANCERS

The role of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF ($) over cap A) in endometrial cancer is stil l controversial. In this study the immunostaining of EGF-R and TGF ($) over cap A, investigated in 44 cases, proved to be related to endomet rial cancer histotype regardless of the tumor grade or the extent of m yometrial invasion. In fact, EGF-R expression was observed in 12.5% (1 /8) of cases with classical endometrioid adenocarcinoma in 91% (10/11) with endometrial adenocarcinoma and benign squamous metaplasia, and i n 35% (6/27) with adenosquamous carcinoma. TGF ($) over cap A expressi on was concomitant with EGF-R in the first two histotypes, and was pre sent in about 50% (9/17) of the latter. Conversely, in mucinous and se rous papillary adenocarcinoma, EGF-R and TGF ($) over cap A immunostai ning was not observed In conclusion, EGF-R positivity was observed in endometrial cancer with squamous differentiation, especially in those cases with benign squamous metaplasia. EGF-R and TGF ($) over cap A co expression appeared as a constant feature of benign squamous metaplasi a.