The expression of epidermal growth factor receptor results in a worse prognosis for patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiotherapy: a multicenter, retrospective analysis.

Background And Purpose: Expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is observed in 50-70% of colorectal carcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of EGFR status before radiotherapy in a group of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with preoperative radiotherapy.

Patients And Methods: Eighty-seven patients were studied retrospectively.

Epidermal growth factor receptor is a predictor of tumor response in locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy.

Purpose: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression is observed in 50%-70% of colorectal carcinomas and is associated with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the EGFR expression rate in locally advanced rectal cancer and to analyze whether EGFR expression predicts tumor response to preoperative radiotherapy.

Methods And Materials: Between December 1997 and October 2000, 45 patients were included.