Cathepsin D and epidermal growth factor receptor immunohistochemistry does not predict recurrence of prostate cancer in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy

Purpose: We determined if immunohistochemical expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor and cathepsin D in the primary tumor was of prognostic value in clinically localized prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy. Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for epidermal growth factor receptor and cathepsin D was performed on 105 radical prostatectomy specimens from 2 academic centers. The epidermal growth factor receptor and cathepsin D expressions were graded using H scoring by an experienced pathologist blinded to other patient data, and compared with age, grade, stage, race and initial serologic (prostate specific antigen) recurrence. Univariate and multivariate statistical testing was performed. Results: Immunohistochemically detectable epidermal growth factor receptor and cathepsin D expression was not correlated to age, race, stage or Gleason grade. In univariate and multivariate testing epidermal growth factor receptor and cathepsin D were not prognostic markers for disease progression following radical prostatectomy. Conclusions: Immunohistochemical analysis of the biomarkers cathepsin D and epidermal growth factor receptor in radical prostatectomy specimens does not predict disease recurrence. Further biological marker study is needed in clinically localized prostate cancer.