Prognostic value of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) in gastric carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Because our previous study indicated that PDGF-A mRNA expression in biopsy specimens might identify a subgroup of high-risk patients with gastric carcinoma, in this study we analyzed the prognostic value of platelet-derived growth factor-A (PDGF-A) gene expression in gastric carcinoma biopsy specimens.


METHODS
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze the PDGF-A gene expression in 65 gastric carcinoma endoscopic biopsy specimens. The 65 patients were divided into a PDGF-A-positive group (29 patients) and a PDGF-A-negative group (36 patients).


RESULTS
On the basis of 2-year follow-up data, the PDGF-A-positive group demonstrated a shorter overall survival rate compared with the PDGF-A-negative group (p < 0.0001). A similar correlation was found in 34 advanced-stage patients (p = 0.003) and in 24 advanced-stage patients who underwent a curative resection (p = 0.003). Multivariance analysis indicated that the transcription of PDGF-A gene is a potent prognostic factor that is independent of the traditional pathologic parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of PDGF-A mRNA in gastric biopsy specimens may be a new preoperative prognostic parameter in gastric carcinoma.
Katano
M
M
Department of Surgery, Saga Medical School, Nabeshima, Japan.
Nakamura
M
M
Fujimoto
K
K
Miyazaki
K
K
Morisaki
T
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics; D011379:Prognosis; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; D012333:RNA, Messenger