In:
Pathology International, Wiley, Vol. 51, No. 3 ( 2001-03), p. 172-178
Abstract:
Expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and c‐Met (HGF receptor) has been reported in many neoplasms. We investigated coexpression of HGF and c‐Met to determine the role of the HGF/c‐Met pathway in breast carcinoma, especially at the cancer front. Eighty‐eight cases of carcinoma of the breast were studied by immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization for HGF and c‐Met expression. The staining pattern was termed ‘front accentuation pattern’ when it was most conspicuous at the cancer front. HGF and c‐Met proteins were expressed in cancer and stromal cells, with autocrine and paracrine patterns. The front accentuation pattern of c‐Met was observed in cancer cells, but not in stromal cells. The front accentuation pattern was not observed in HGF. Coexpression of HGF and c‐Met at the cancer front was correlated with histologic grade, reduced patient survival and a high Ki‐67 labeling index. Our findings suggest that the HGF/c‐Met pathway acts primarily as a mitogen, especially at the cancer front, in a paracrine manner and affects some clinical factors, including patient survival.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1320-5463
,
1440-1827
DOI:
10.1046/j.1440-1827.2001.01182.x
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2001
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2008574-6
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