PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF UROKINASE-TYPE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATORS IN GASTRIC-CANCER

To elucidate the relation between urokinase-type plasminogen activator (U-PA) and metastasis in gastric cancer, we examined U-PA tissue stat us immunohistochemically. Ninety-eight primary gastric cancer, prepare d by AMeX method, were analyzed with anti-U-PA and anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) monoclonal antibody. In addition, DNA ploi dy patterns were determined by cytofluorometer after staining with pro pidium iodide. U-PA immunoreactivity can be observed as diffuse cytopl asmic staining, as intensely outlined luminal borders or in desquamete d cells in the lumens. U-PA expression-positive tumors showed higher i ncidence of serosal invasion, lymph node involvement or larger tumors than did U-PA negative ones. There was no correlation between U-PA tis sue status and PCNA labeling rates or DNA ploidy patterns. Patients wi th a U-PA positive tumor survived significantly shorter than those wit h U-PA negative ones. These results may indicate that U-PA tissue stat us is a useful biological prognostic indicator in gastric cancer. The high malignant potential of U-PA positive tumors may be associated wit h a rapid infiltrating capacity through gastric wall but not with a hi gh proliferative activity.