Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and β-catenin in Colorectal Carcinoma and its Correlation with Tumor Grade and Stage

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is considered the result of the cumulative effect of multiple mutations within the cell that allow it to escape growth control and regulatory mechanisms. EGFR overexpression has been suggested as a factor of poor prognosis in various cancers. beta-catenin plays a role in the Wnt signaling pathway of colorectal cancers. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of two years comprising 20 colectomy specimens. Clinicopathological details were documented, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for EGFR and beta-catenin was performed. EGFR-Brown membranous staining was observed; beta-catenin-Brown membranous or nuclear staining was observed. IHC scoring was done, taking into account the intensity of staining and the percentage of positive tumor cells. The mean age of patients with colorectal carcinoma was 47.45 +/- 14.8 (mean + SD) years. No statistically significant difference was noted in the EGFR immunoexpression and tumor grade (p value = 0.361) as well as the TNM stage (p value = 0.699). There was no statistically significant difference between beta-catenin immunoexpression and tumor grade (p value = 0.444) and TNM stage (p value = 0.911). A statistically significant difference was noted in the EGFR and beta-catenin immunoexpression (p = 0.0001). EGFR and beta-catenin expression was observed in 50% and 65% of cases, respectively. EGFR and beta-catenin expression was not associated with histological tumor grade and TNM stage of the tumor. In the present study, EGFR expression was significantly associated with beta-catenin immunoexpression.