Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor: Risk factor in uveal melanoma

PURPOSE. TO investigate the prognostic significance of the expression of ep idermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in uveal melanoma. EGFR is a transmem brane: glycoprotein, and its expression has been correlated with the develo pment of metastases in various malignancies. METHODs. Frozen sections from 22 primary uveal melanomas were examined for EGFR expression by a three-step immunoperoxidase staining, using a mouse an ti-human EGFR IgG2b monoclonal antibody. The results were compared with pat ient survival and clinical and histopathologic parameters. RESULTS. EGFR expression could not be determined on one tumor due to excess ive pigmentation. Two patients died of causes unrelated to melanoma, and tw o patients were lost to follow-up. Out of 21 tumors, six tumors showed immu noreactivity for EGFR. Five of these six patients (83%) died due to metasta ses, compared with 2 (17%) of 12 patients with no EGFR expression (Kaplan-M eier analysis P = 0.0004). EGFR-positive tumors tended to have a greater tu mor prominence and a higher mitotic rate. CONCLUSIONS. The expression of EGFR was significantly correlated with death due to metastatic disease and therefore can be regarded as an important pr ognostic factor in human uveal melanoma.