High frequency of c-Met expression in gastric cancers producing alpha- fetoprotein.

Abstract

Gastric cancers producing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) have a poor prognosis and a high incidence of liver metastasis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor, c-Met, are known to induce mitosis and cell movement and to promote tumor progression. In the present study, c-Met and HGF expression in AFP-producing gastric cancer was compared with those gastric cancers that do not produce AFP. Twenty-six patients with AFP-producing gastric cancers [AFP(+)] and 26 patients stage-matched gastric cancers without AFP production [AFP(-)] were evaluated for c-Met and HGF expression and proliferating cell nuclear antigen-labelling index using immunohistochemical analysis. A higher frequency of c-Met expression was observed in the AFP(+) group than in the AFP(-) group (p < 0.01). A higher expression of c-Met might be one explanation for the poorer prognosis of AFP-producing gastric cancers.

• Authors: H Amemiya, K Kono, Y Mori, A Takahashi, F Ichihara, H Iizuka, T Sekikawa, Y Matsumoto
• Journal: Oncology (Oncology) Vol. 59 Issue 2 Pg. 145-51 (Aug 2000) ISSN: 0030-2414 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 10971174 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen
• alpha-Fetoproteins
• Hepatocyte Growth Factor
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Cell Division
• Female
• Hepatocyte Growth Factor (biosynthesis)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (analysis)
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met (biosynthesis)
• Stomach Neoplasms (metabolism)
• Tumor Cells, Cultured
• alpha-Fetoproteins (biosynthesis)