EGFR Gene Alterations as Prognostic Biomarkers in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Strategic Insights -

Researchers in Chiba, Japan, have identified a potentially clinically useful biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). They analyzed pretreatment biopsy specimens from T3-4 and/or M1 LYM ESCC patients who received chemoradiotherapy and found a significant association between the EGFR SNP at codon 787 of exon 20 and overall survival. Specifically, patients with the EGFR heterozygous genotype had a 2.347-fold increased risk of death compared to those without the genotype, with a 95% confidence interval of 1.183-4.656 (p=0.015). Overexpression of EGFR or p53 mutations were not associated with overall survival.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EGFR SNP at codon 787 of exon 20 was found in 19 out of 57 eligible patients (33%) with advanced ESCC.
  • Patients with the EGFR heterozygous genotype had a significantly worse 3-year survival rate of 0% compared to 21% for those without the genotype.
  • Multivariate analysis showed a significant difference (odds ratio: 2.347, 95% confidence interval: 1.183-4.656, p=0.015) in overall survival between patients with and without the EGFR heterozygous genotype.
  • The researchers concluded that the EGFR SNP at codon 787 of exon 20 may be a clinically useful biomarker for predicting the prognosis of ESCC patients.
  • The study was conducted at the National Cancer Center Hospital East in Chiba, Japan.
  • The researchers analyzed pretreatment biopsy specimens from patients with T3-4 and/or M1 LYM ESCC who received chemoradiotherapy.

Statistics:

  • 19 patients (33%) had the EGFR SNP at codon 787 of exon 20.
  • The 3-year survival rate was 21% for patients without the EGFR heterozygous genotype and 0% for patients with the genotype.
  • The odds ratio for overall survival was 2.347 (95% confidence interval: 1.183-4.656) for patients with the EGFR heterozygous genotype compared to those without.

Sources:

  • K. Kaneko et al., EGFR gene alterations as a prognostic biomarker in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Frontiers In Bioscience, 2010;15():65-72.