Expression of EGFR and survivin in ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst and calcifying odontogenic cyst – An immunohistochemical study

CONTEXT: Odontogenic lesions have diverse biological behaviour which is characterised by local invasiveness, and a high recurrence rate. EGFR and survivin was found to be involved in the aggressiveness, recurrences and metastasis of a variety of epithelial malignancies. AIMS: To assess and compare the expression of EGFR and survivin in Ameloblastoma (AB), Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) and Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study's goal was to use immunohistochemistry to assess the qualitative and quantitative expression of EGFR and survivin and to correlate their expression patterns in AB, OKC and COC. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Study included 30 AB, 15 OKC and 10 COC. All the slides were immunohistochemically analysed for qualitative, quantitative and semi-quantitative data. In each group, the presence of EGFR and survivin was assessed in terms of stain localisation, intensity and percentage of positive cells. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analysed using Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA, P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: EGFR positivity was found in all cases. Survivin was found to be 96% positive in AB and 100% positive in OKC and COC. Both EGFR and survivin showed predominant cytoplasmic staining. All the slides that are stained with EGFR are also stained with survivin. The intensity varied significantly between the layers. OKC showed higher immunoreactive scores (IRSs). CONCLUSIONS: The current study provides insight into the role of EGFR and survivin in the pathogenesis of AB, OKC and COC. OKC appears to be more aggressive than ameloblastoma and COC, owing to its higher IRS.