Abstract
BackgroundWe explore the clinical and prognostic significance of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-β, and c-Met in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsThe expression of VEGFR-2, PDGFR-β, and c-Met were determined by immunohistochemical examination of the tissues of 93 HCC patients. The relationships of these markers with clinicopathological factors and prognosis were then analyzed.ResultsHigh expression of VEGFR-2, PDGFR-β, and c-Met was found in 86%, 19.4%, and 80.6% of patients, respectively. Expression of VEGFR-2 correlated with gender (P = 0.044), hepatitis B surface antigen positivity (P = 0.024), degree of tumor differentiation (P = 0.023), and hepatic cirrhosis (P = 0.026). Expression of PDGFR-β correlated with alpha-fetoprotein level (P = 0.029), tumor size (P = 0.033), and hepatic cirrhosis (P = 0.023). No significant correlations were identified between expression of c-Met and clinicopathological factors. Expression of PDGFR-β correlated with overall survival (P = 0.046) and expression of c-Met correlated with progression-free survival (P = 0.01).ConclusionsWe found that in patients with HCC, high expression of VEGFR-2 correlates with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic cirrhosis. High expression of PDGFR-β is a predictor of poor prognosis. High expression of C-Met may predict therapeutic effectiveness of sorafenib in HCC patients.
Highlights
We explore the clinical and prognostic significance of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-β, and c-Met in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
This study explored the relationships between expression of VEGFR-2, PDGFR-β, and c-Met and the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of HCC patients, aiming to provide reference information to assist with the diagnosis, evaluation of prognosis, and targeted therapy of HCC
High expression of VEGFR-2 was observed in 80 of 93 cases (86%), high expression of PDGFR- β was observed in 18 cases (19.4%), and high expression of c-Met was observed in 75 cases (80.6%)
Summary
We explore the clinical and prognostic significance of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)-β, and c-Met in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Many complex cellular signaling pathways are involved in tumor development and growth. These pathways include proteins such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), PDGF receptor (PDGFR), hepatocyte growth factor/c-Met, Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk, and PI3k/Ak/mTOR. This study explored the relationships between expression of VEGFR-2, PDGFR-β, and c-Met and the clinicopathological factors and prognosis of HCC patients, aiming to provide reference information to assist with the diagnosis, evaluation of prognosis, and targeted therapy of HCC
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