EGFR as a predictor of relapse in myxopapillary ependymoma

Abstract

Myxopapillary ependymoma (MPE) is a rare subtype of ependymoma in children. Though classified as a Grade I tumor, their unpredictable behavior and propensity for local and disseminated recurrence poses a therapeutic challenge. Till date no predictive molecular markers exist for such recurrence, especially with dissemination. We demonstrated that Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) expression was seen in relapsed MPE both at diagnosis and at recurrence and none in the nonrecurring tumors. This finding suggests EGFR could be a predictive biomarker for recurrence in MPE.