High frequency of c-Met expression in gastric cancers producing alpha-fetoprotein

Gastric cancers producing alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) have a poor prognosis and a high incidence of liver metastasis. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and i ts receptor, c-Met, are known to induce mitosis and cell movement and to pr omote tumor progression. In the present study, c-Met and HGF expression in AFP-producing gastric cancer was compared with those gastric cancers that d o not produce AFP. Twenty-six patients with AFP-producing gastric cancers [ AFP(+)] and 26 patients stage-matched gastric cancers without AFP productio n [AFP(-)] were evaluated for c-Met and HGF expression and proliferating ce ll nuclear antigen-labelling index using immunohistochemical analysis. A hi gher frequency of c-Met expression was observed in the AFP(+) group than in the AFP(-) group (p < 0.01). A higher expression of c-Met might be one exp lanation for the poorer prognosis of AFP-producing gastric cancers. Copyrig ht (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.