The progression of invasiveness regarding the role of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II in gastric cancer

Aims: Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) is a potent growth inhibit or of epithelial cells. The expression of TGF beta receptors is required fo r the effect of TGF beta. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to de monstrate the roles of the expression of TGF beta type I (T beta R-I) and t ype II (T beta R-II) receptors in the progression of gastric carcinoma. Methods: To evaluate the potential prognostic value of T beta R-I and T bet a R-II, 158 consecutive gastric cancer tissues specimens obtained over a 3- year period were examined. Results: A total of 50 (32%) and 28 (18%) patients had T beta R-I(+) and T beta R-II(+), respectively. The 5-year survival rates of the patients with T beta R-I(+) and those with T beta R-I(-) were 74% and 71%, respectively. In contrast, the 5-year survival rates of the patients with T beta R-II(+) and those with T beta R-II(-) were 57% and 75%, respectively, and the diffe rence was statistically significant (P<0.05). The extent of T beta R-II was closely correlated to the macroscopic types based on the Borrmann classifi cation (P<0.01), and curability (P<0.05). However, a significant difference between the 5-year survival rates of the patients with T beta R-II(+) and those with T beta R-II(-) was only obtained in advanced cases (P<0.05) not in either curative cases, non-curative cases, or early cases. Conclusions: Our data suggest that when T beta R-II expression correlates w ith the progression of invasiveness in gastric cancer, it may lead to a non -curative resection and a poor prognosis. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.