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Platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF) is synthesized and secreted by mesenchymal cells. We used
immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization to determine whether immunoreactivity
for PDGF and PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) might be a prognostic indicator in lung
carcinoma. We compared these results with those of immunohistochemistry
for anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (anti-PCNA). Indirect immunohistochemistry
and in situ hybridization were performed for PDGF B-chain, PDGF-R [beta]
and PCNA antibodies, and PDGF B mRNA on frozen, paraffin-embedded sections
of 92 surgically resected lung carcinomas (39 squamous cell carcinomas,
47 adenocarcinomas, 2 large-cell carcinomas, 2 adenosquamous carcinomas,
and 2 double carcinomas). Clinicopathologic data (sex, age, stage, survival
period, histologic type, and degree of cell differentiation) were evaluated
using a statistical analysis system. PDGF reactivity was positive in tumor
cell cytoplasm in some cases of squamous cell carcinoma (64%) and adenocarcinoma
(55%) and in all cases of large-cell carcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma,
and double carcinoma. PDGF-R reactivity was detected only in tumor stroma.
Positive PDGF staining was associated with a poor prognosis in patients
with lung carcinoma, independent of age, sex, stage, and degree of cell
differentiation (risk ratio = 2.53, p = 0.03). PDGF B mRNA was detected
in 100% of PDGF-positive squamous cell carcinomas and in 85% of adenocarcinomas.
There was no correlation between PDGF expression and PCNA index in lung
carcinomas. Together, these results suggest that immunohistochemistry for
PDGF B-chain may predict the outcome for lung carcinoma patients. |
