High Frequency of c-Met Expression in Gastric Cancers Producing Alpha- Fetoprotein

Abstract

Gastric cancers producing α-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.

Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach: Nine case reports and treatment outcomes

“…One study reveals that a higher expression of c-Met may be associated with the poor prognosis of AFP-producing gastric cancer (21). Survival is closely associated with the pTNM stage.…”

Primary adenocarcinoma of the stomach in von Recklinghausen's disease with high serum levels of multiple tumor markers: a case report

“…Additionally, an immunohistochemical analysis showed that the cells present in the metastatic liver tumor and the gastric lesion were AFP-negative. The regulation of gastric cancer cell lines by hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c-metproto- oncogene (c-Met ) has been described recently [13]. HGF is strongly associated with the progression of cancer cells to invasive phenotypes and the development of distant metastases.…”

“…HGF is strongly associated with the progression of cancer cells to invasive phenotypes and the development of distant metastases. A higher incidence of c-Met overexpression was found in AFP-secreting tumors, as well as a higher expression in poorly differentiated tumors in the AFP-positive group than in those that were AFP-negative [13]. A serum AFP level over 500 ng/mL in gastric cancer is rare.…”

cMET as a potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer (Review)

“…Interestingly, alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) with high cMET expression was found in our PDTT models. Previous studies have also reported a higher frequency of cMET expression in AFPGC compared with advanced gastric cancer (88). We are currently using a PDTT model to investigate whether AFPGC is a special subgroup for cMET.…”