Objective: To explore the effect of expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta), c-erbB-2 oncogene in myoepithelioma and malignant myoepithelioma.
Methods: 20 cases of myoepithelioma and 20 cases of malignant myoepithelioma were examined by immunohistochemical methods.
Results: All cases showed overexpression of EGFR and TGF beta, the intensity of expression didn't associate with the benignity and malignity of tumors. The overexpression of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was seen in 5 cases of myoepithelioma and 13 cases of malignant myoepithelioma, and the cases of malignant myoepithelioma were stained more intense than that of myoepithelioma.
Conclusion: The synergy of EGFR and TGFR beta had significant relation to the proliferative and differentiation processes of myoepithelial tumor. The activated c-erbB-2 oncogene, that is similar with EGFR in structure, plays an important promoting role in unrestricted progression of malignant myoepithelioma cells.