Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies to the extracellular domain of the EGF-receptor were used for immunohistochemical staining.
Nine of 10 squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix, vagina, and vulva showed strong staining for EGF-receptors. Of 12 endometrial carcinomas and 19 ovarian tumors approximately 50% revealed moderate staining. Cells with immunohistochemically identifiable EGF-receptors and those without coexist in EGF-receptor positive tumors. The percentage of positive cells in endometrial carcinomas was higher than in ovarian carcinomas, 80% and 25%, respectively.
There was good correlation between the immunohistochemical detection of EGF-receptors and the amount of EGF-receptors quantitated by biochemical methods, although immunohistochemistry appeared to be somewhat less sensitive (especially in breast carcinomas).
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