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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 172-178 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pathology International |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2001 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Breast carcinoma
- Cancer front
- Hepatocyte growth factor
- Ki-67 labeling index
- c-Met
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine