Study of Somatic EGFR Mutations in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Head and Neck
Authors/Creators
- 1. Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Military Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
- 2. Associate Professor, Department of ENT, Military Hospital Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- 3. Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Military Hospital Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Description
Background and Aim:Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) originate from the epithelial lining of the upper aerodigestive tract. It accounts for over 90 % of the malignancies found in the head and neck region. One of the vital receptor that controls key signaling pathways for cell proliferation and survival is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The present study aimed to study the somatic EGFR mutations in squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck.
Materials and methods: A Cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on all cases of biopsy proven squamous cell carcinomas of head and neck presenting to a tertiary care hospital over a period of two years (July 2024- July 2026). Mutational analysis was done on 30 samples. The tissue samples were stored in saline at −40°C until analysis. Clinical data, including age, sex, tobacco/smoking history, duration of symptoms, and tumor site, were recorded. Histopathological evaluation was done which included TNM staging (AJCC 7th edition), tumor grading (Broders' criteria), lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and extranodal extension.
Results: The study included 30 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a mean age of 58.2 ± 8.38 years; most patients were 51–60 years old (46.7%) and male (83.3%). The tongue (33.3%) was the most common tumor site, followed by the buccal mucosa (20%), and 50% of patients had a history of tobacco chewing. Most tumors were Stage I (36.7%) and well-differentiated (Grade I, 76.7%). Somatic EGFR mutations were detected in 2 patients (6.7%), both involving the tongue, while 93.3% of cases showed no detectable mutation. No significant association was observed between EGFR mutation status and age, tumor site, TNM stage, or tumor grade (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Low frequency of somatic EGFR mutations (6.7%) in HNSCC was found with no significant association between EGFR mutation status and clinicopathological parameters such as TNM stage and tumor grade.
Keywords: Somatic EGFR Mutations, Squamous Cell Carcinomas, Head and Neck