Expression of c-Myc, TGF-alpha and EGF-receptor in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma

Acta Oncol. 1997;36(4):407-11. doi: 10.3109/02841869709001288.

Abstract

In 20 patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), immuno-histochemistry was used to localize the expression of the c-Myc oncoprotein, transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and these three markers were analysed regarding their relation to histopathological and histochemical variables of the tumours. The detection rates of c-Myc, TGF-alpha and EGFR were 90%, 90% and 95% respectively. Concomitant demonstration of the markers was reflected in significant associations (correlation factor between TGF-alpha and EGFR was 0.93, p < 0.001). The markers were almost invariably located within the cytoplasm, which might suggest their crucial role in growth regulation and cell differentiation; this seems especially true of TGF-alpha and EGFR. The different markers showed no relation to either histopathological or histochemical variables (tumour behaviour, tumour size, tumour cell type). The prominent co-expression of c-Myc, TGF-alpha and EGFR proteins indicates that in MTC these factors might be of importance for tumour cell proliferation via autocrine growth stimulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / pathology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Division
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Coloring Agents
  • Cytoplasm / ultrastructure
  • Disease-Free Survival
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Inclusion Bodies / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nuclear Envelope / ultrastructure
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / analysis*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc / genetics
  • Survival Rate
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / analysis*
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Coloring Agents
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • ErbB Receptors