Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant skin tumor in cats. The most frequently affected sites include the nasal planum, pinnae (ears), and eyelids. Development of this skin tumor has been associated with chronic sunlight exposure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and assess its prognostic role. Nineteen biopsy samples were tested for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Fourteen of 19 tumors (73.7%) were positive for EGFR. EGFR expression was not found to be linked with tumor differentiation and mitotic activity. The data from the study suggest that activation of the EGFR signaling pathway is possibly involved in the progression of SCC. EGFR expression also carries a negative prognostic significance in these tumors. This could indicate that use of EGFR inhibitors in association with conventional treatment may someday be a treatment option. [VT]
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