Expression of c-kit and p53 in non-small cell lung cancers.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Increasing experimental evidence indicates that abnormal expression of c-kit may be implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of solid tumors. It has been reported that over 70% of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) contain the c-kit receptor. In the present study, a c-kit analysis has been extended to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The expressions of p53, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cd34, in addition to c-kit, were evaluated to investigate the correlations between these proteins and to determine their potential relationships with the clinicopathological data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Paraffin-embedded tumor sections, obtained from 147 patients with NSCLC, were immunohistochemically investigated using anti-c-kit, anti-p53, anti-VEGF and anti-cd34 antibodies.

RESULTS:

c-kit was expressed in 40 (27%) of the tumors examined: 27% of the adenocarcinomas, 27% of the squamous cell carcinomas and 29% of the undifferentiated carcinomas. p53 and VEG F immunoreactivities were present in 107 (73%) and 110 (75%) carcinomas, respectively. Anti-cd34 was negative in all samples. No associations were established among these proteins. The c-kit, however, showed a strong correlation with the T factor: T1 (n=11), 0%; T2 (n=49), 16% and T3 (n=87), 37% (p=.006).

CONCLUSION:

It is suggested that in NSCLC c-kit is expressed relatively frequently and may become a therapeutic target for the patients with inoperable or recurrent c-kit positive tumors. The alterations in p53 probably constitute an early event, whereas the activated c-kit may contribute to tumor progression.

• Authors: Jinyoung Yoo, Chi Hong Kim, So Hyang Song, Byoung Yong Shim, Youn Ju Jeong, Meyung Im Ahn, Sung Whan Kim, Deog Gon Cho, Min Seop Jo, Kyu Do Cho, Hong Joo Cho, Hoon-Kyo Kim
• Journal: Cancer research and treatment (Cancer Res Treat) Vol. 36 Issue 3 Pg. 167-72 (Jun 2004) ISSN: 2005-9256 [Electronic] Korea (South)
• PMID: 20396539 (Publication Type: Journal Article)