Investigation of EGFR copy-number variations in skin cancers | Indagine sulle varianti di copia-numero di EGFR nel cancro della pelle

Aim. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members play a considerable rôle in carcinogenesis. Copy number variations (CNVs) have been discovered to have phenotypic consequences and to be associated with various types of cancer. CNVs of EGFR were associated with cancer pathogenesis in recent studies. However, few studies were performed in skin cancer. In this study, we aim to examine the CNVs of EGFR in skin samples. Materials and methods. A total of 195 paired-samples including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and actinic keratosis (AK) were included. Real-time PCR was used for the quantification of EGFR copy numbers. Results. CNVs of EGFR showed statistical differences between cancer samples (both SCC and BCC) and normal tissues (p<0.05). Association analysis showed that the frequencies of EGFR's CNVs were correlated with the severity of skin abnormalities (p=0.011). Conclusions. CNVs of EGFR are associated with SCC and BCC but not with AK.