Ann Dermatol.  2021 Oct;33(5):432-439. 10.5021/ad.2021.33.5.432.

Prognostic Significance of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Distant Metastatic Melanoma from Primary Cutaneous Melanoma

• Lee KH
• Suh HY
• Lee MW
• Lee WJ
• Chang SE

• KMID: 2519928
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2021.33.5.432

Abstract

Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in many cancers. However, EGFR expression in melanoma and its role are conflicting.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate EGFR expression in distant metastatic melanoma and analyze its relationship with histologic and clinical characteristics and survival.
Methods
Diagnostic tissues from 55 cases of distant metastatic melanoma was evaluated by immunohistochemistry for EGFR expression. Clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes were analyzed according to EGFR expression.
Results
The positive EGFR expression in distant metastatic melanoma was significantly correlated with the absence of ulceration. The EGFR expression in distant metastatic melanoma was significantly associated with poor survival, under the conditions of male sex and primary cutaneous melanoma without ulceration or Breslow thickness ≤4.0 mm. This study bears limitations of a retrospective study in a single institution.
Conclusion
EGFR immunostaining had predictive values for survival outcome. The EGFR expression in distant metastatic melanoma in male, no ulcer, or Breslow thickness ≤4.0 mm appeared to be involved in disease progression.

Keyword

ErbB receptors; Melanoma; Neoplasm metastasis