Expression of EGFR and Ki67 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Association with Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes and Histopathological Parameters
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 90% of oral malignancies and is often associated with poor outcomes when diagnosed at advanced stages. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Ki-67 proliferation index are increasingly recognized as important prognostic biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate EGFR and Ki-67 expression in OSCC and analyze their correlation with TIL density and histopathological parameters. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted on 50 histologically confirmed OSCC cases over 1 year. Clinical details, tumor site, grade, stage, and TIL levels were documented. Immunohistochemistry for EGFR and Ki-67 was performed using rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Associations between TILs, EGFR, Ki-67, and clinicopathological variables were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.1 ± 9.8 years, with buccal mucosa being the most frequent site (66%). Most of the tumors were well-differentiated (82%). Pathological staging revealed pT3 in 36% and pN0 in 68% of cases. High EGFR expression was noted in 78% of tumors, while 70% showed Ki-67 >10%. Stromal TILs were high in 48% and moderate in 46%, whereas intra-tumoral TILs were predominantly low (76%). A statistically significant association was found between stromal TIL levels, Ki-67 expression, and EGFR positivity ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Stromal TIL density correlates significantly with EGFR and Ki-67 expression in OSCC, suggesting that combined assessment of these biomarkers may provide valuable prognostic insight. Their integration into routine histopathological evaluation could improve risk stratification and guide personalized therapeutic approaches.
Source: The Journal of Medical Research
Authors: Nikki Gupta, Prakriti Shukla, Sangita Bohara, Rashmi Chaturvedi, Shashank Chaudhary
Institution: Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences
Language: English
Topic: Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Subfield: Otorhinolaryngology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7127089835