The Expression of c-MET (HGF Receptor) Represents Poor Prognosis of Patients with pT3 Colon Carcinoma

Kazuhiro Kobayashi, Takashi Okuyama, Tetsuro Nakamura and Masahiko Yamaguchi

Department of Surgery, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Koshigaya Hospital

Introduction: Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (c-MET) has been suggested to play a role in the progression and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma. In this study we investigated the relationship between expression of c-MET and the malignant potential of pT3 colon carcinoma. Methods: Curatively resected specimens of 88 well or moderately differentiated of the colon adenocarcinomas were studied. The median postoperative follow-up time was 70.2 months. Serial sections were prepared from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks, and they were stained with HE and immunohistochemically stained for c-MET. Expression of c-MET at the invasive front of the tumor was evaluated as positive (+) or negative (-). Results: Expression of c-MET was positive in 37 lesions (42.0%) and it was significantly correlated with lymphatic invasion (p=0.0006) and lymph node metastasis (p<0.0001). Recurrence was detected in 27 patients (30.6%). Patients with c-MET-positive lesions had a significantly higher incidence of pulmonary metastatic recurrence than patients with c-MET-negative lesions (p=0.0098). Postoperative survival was significantly shorter in patients with c-MET-positive lesions than in patients with c-MET-negative lesions (p=0.0028, logrank test). The multivariate proportional hazard model revealed that expression of c-MET was the only significant co-factor of postoperative survival in pT3 colon carcinoma [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 3.031 (1.272-7.225), p=0.0123]. Conclusion: Thus, testing pT3 colon carcinoma for expression of c-MET is useful for predicting recurrence and outcome.

Key words
c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor), colon carcinoma, recurrence, prognosis

Reprint requests
Takashi Okuyama Department of Surgery, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Koshigaya Hospital
2-1-50 Minamikoshigaya, Koshigaya, 343-8555 JAPAN

Accepted
June 22, 2005

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