Introduction: Progress has been made in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with the development of biologic agents such as Cetuximab and Panitumumab. These monoclonal antibodies are directed against EGFR and influence cell division, attachment, angiogenesis, migration and apoptosis. Correlation has been found between the presence of mutations in the K-ras gene and resistance to treatment with Cetuximab.New guidelines require K-ras mutation analysis before anti-EGFR treatment is provided. The proteins Amphiregulin and Epiregulin belong to the Epidermal growth factors family (EGF, that act through the EGFR. Over-expression of these proteins has been seen in a variety of malignancies and non-malignant pathologies. These proteins can be detected in samples from colorectal malignancies and inflammatory bowel disease by immunohistochemical staining. Jacobs et at showed that mRNA expression of these proteins n colorectal malignancy predicts outcomes in wild type K-ras metastatic patients treated with Cetuximab.
Aim: The purpose of our study is to examine whether there is a correlation between the presence of colorectal cancer K-ras mutations and the level of expression of EpireguLin and Amphiregulin in the malignant tissue.
Material and methods: In a retrospective study we examined 30 tissue samples of colon cancer patients for the presence of K-ras mutation and immunohistochemicaL staining for Epiregulin and AmphireguLin.
Results: A total of 14 (46.66%] samples showed mutation in the K-ras gene; 15 of 30 samples [50%] were positive for AmphireguLin. As for Epiregulin, 10 (33.3%) samples had strong staining, 10 (33.3%) samples had Light staining and the rest, 10 (33.3%) didn't have any staining. In conclusion, we did not find a correlation between the presence of a K-ras mutation and the presence of Epiregulin and Amphiregulin in colon cancer tissue.