Overexpression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Restricted to Macrophages in Uveal Melanoma

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Abstract
THE EPIDERMAL growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is of fundamental importance in the regulation of epithelial differentiation and proliferation.1,2 The interactions of this receptor are complex. Epidermal growth factor receptor can bind at least 6 growth factors, including EGF, transforming growth factor α, amphiregulin, heparin-binding EGF, betacellulin, and epiregulin.2 Binding of EGF results in receptor down-regulation, whereas transforming growth factor α prolongs EGFR expression and signalling.3 The EGFR appears to play a role in malignant transformation and may be a useful target for selective antitumor therapy.4 Overexpression of EGFR has been detected in many solid human tumors, including cancers of the head and neck, breast, lung, and bladder,4 and has been associated with poor prognosis, most convincingly in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.5 Increased immunoreactivity for EGFR has also been reported in cutaneous benign and malignant cutaneous lesions of melanocytic origin.6-8