Expression and prognostic value of platelet-derived growth factor-AA and its receptor α in nephroblastoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the potential role of platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA) and the PDGF-α receptor as prognostic markers in Wilms' tumour.


METHODS
The expression of PDGF-AA and PDGF-α were investigated using immunohistochemical analysis of 62 Wilms' tumours. Patients were treated with chemotherapeutic agents before surgery and had a mean follow-up of 6.4 years.


RESULTS
PDGF-AA and PDGF-α were expressed by the mesenchymal tissue of the normal kidney and mainly detected in the epithelial component of Wilms' tumour. Immunoreactive tumour epithelium cells were found in 50% and 55% for PDGF-AA and PDGF-α, respectively. The epithelial expression of both PDGF-AA and PDGF-α correlated with pathological stage. Univariate analysis showed that epithelial PDGF-AA and PDGF-α receptor expression were indicative of clinical progression. In a multivariate analysis, PDGF-α protein expression by epithelial cells was an independent prognostic marker of a favourable prognosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Expression of both PDGF-AA and PDGF-α in the epithelial part of Wilms' tumour correlated with tumour stage and clinical progression. Our data suggest that both PDGF-AA and PDGF-α receptor expression are related to prognosis.
Ghanem
Mazen
M
Department of Urology, Menoufiya University, Shebin El-Kom, Menoufiya, Egypt. mazenghanem1@hotmail.com
Nijman
Rien
R
Safan
Manal
M
van der Kwast
Theodorus
T
Vansteenbrugge
Gert
G
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D020796:Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D009396:Wilms Tumor / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D010982:Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; C075278:platelet-derived growth factor A; D020796:Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha