Epidermal growth factor receptor immuno-expression in malignant epithelial ovarian tumors

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in surface epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) among the local population, considering its potential role as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer treatment. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Medical College, Abbottabad, and Khyber Medical University Peshawar, Pakistan, from July 1st to December 31st, 2022. Data from 73 patients diagnosed with EOC were collected using consecutive sampling. Inclusion criteria required histopathological confirmation of EOC and sufficient biopsy specimens for immune-histochemical (IHC) analysis. Patients who declined participation or lacked adequate biopsy samples for IHC were excluded. Biopsy samples were histologically confirmed for EOC, and IHC staining was performed to detect EGFR-1 protein, validated with positive and negative controls. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 53.42±9.99 years, with serous type lesions being the most prevalent (n=40, 54.8%). EGFR expression varied, with 46.6% showing moderate positivity, 27.4% and 19.2% cases demonstrating weak and strong positivity respectively. Significant differences in EGFR positivity were noted between lesion types (p=0.002) and among patients with positive vs. negative family histories (p=0.001). No significant associations were found with parity or socioeconomic status. ANOVA analysis revealed no significant differences in age, age at menarche, or age at menopause based on EGFR positivity levels (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A moderate to high intensity level of EGFR expression in cases of serous cyst adenocarcinomas and patients with family history of reproductive system malignancy suggest its potential as a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment in such patients.