Inverted sinonasal papilloma (ISP) is a locally aggressive neoplasm associated with sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) in 10% to 25% of cases. To date, no recurrent mutations have been identified in ISP or SNSCC. Using targeted next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing, we identified activating EGFR mutations in 88% of ISP and 77% of ISP-associated SNSCC. Identical EGFR genotypes were found in matched pairs of ISP and associated SNSCC, providing the first genetic evidence of a biologic link between these tumors. EGFR mutations were not identified in exophytic or oncocytic papillomas or non-ISP-associated SNSCC, suggesting that the ISP/SNSCC spectrum is biologically distinct among sinonasal squamous tumors. Patients with ISP harboring EGFR mutations also exhibited an increased progression-free survival compared with those with wild-type EGFR. Finally, treatment of ISP-associated carcinoma cells with irreversible EGFR inhibitors resulted in inactivation of EGFR signaling and growth inhibition. These findings implicate a prominent role for activating EGFR mutations in the pathogenesis of ISP and associated SNSCC and rationalize consideration of irreversible EGFR inhibitors in the therapy of these tumors.
©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.