Immunohistochemical investigation of p53 and EGFR expression of oligodendrogliomas

The biological behavior of oligodendrogliomas is somewhat unpredictable. A supplementing prognostic factor is, therefore, desirable. Thirty-two suprat entorial pure oligodendrogliomas were studied immunohistochemically by expo sing the tumors to a. monoclonal antibody towards the p53 protein, and a po lyclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A me an p53 labeling index (% of tumor cells stained) of 8.6% and a weak EGFR ex pression in 18 of the oligodendrogliomas were found, Univariate analysis sh owed no correlation between p53, EGFR expression and prognosis. Multivariat e analysis showed that age was a prognostic factor for survival.