Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor and prostate cancer: a review.
Men who die from prostate cancer do so from uncontrolled metastatic disease. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the progression and metastasis of prostate cancer may lead to novel therapeutic approaches to prevent its natural progression. Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Scatter factor (HGF/SF) has been demonstrated to elicit a number of key functions in numerous tissues that are important in the progression, invasion and metastasis of cancer. Studies have demonstrated that the activity of HGF/SF and its receptor c-Met are linked to disease progression in numerous cancers. However, research into these functions, which include activities as a mitogen, a motogen and an anti-apoptotic and angiogenic factor in prostate cancer are limited. This article reviews the published evidence of the roles HGF/SF plays in prostate cancer progression and highlights the clinical and therapeutic potential of research into this pleiomorphic cytokine.
Hurle
R A
RA
Metastasis and Angiogenesis Research Group, Department of Surgery, Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff. UK. rhidian.hurle@cardiffandvale.wales.nhs.uk
Davies
G
G
Parr
C
C
Mason
M D
MD
Jenkins
S A
SA
Kynaston
H G
HG
Jiang
W G
WG
D000818:Animals; D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D017228:Hepatocyte Growth Factor