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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
10:28

Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT

Published on: January 22, 2018

Coexpression of receptor-tyrosine-kinases in gastric adenocarcinoma--a rationale for a molecular targeting strategy?

Daniel Drescher1, Markus Moehler, Ines Gockel

  • 1Department of General and Abdominal Surgery, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 31, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Gastric adenocarcinoma frequently coexpresses multiple receptor-tyrosine-kinases (RTKs). This suggests combination therapy with multiple-target RTK inhibitors may be beneficial for treating this cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Receptor-tyrosine-kinases (RTKs) play crucial roles in cancer development.
  • Understanding RTK expression patterns is vital for targeted therapy in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the coexpression pattern of key RTKs in human gastric adenocarcinoma.
  • To investigate the expression levels and localization of VEGFR1-3, PDGFR alpha/beta, and EGFR1.

Main Methods:

  • Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyze RTK expression in 51 gastric adenocarcinomas.
  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed expression and determined RTK localization within tumor cells and associated stroma.

Main Results:

  • High coexpression rates were observed for VEGFR1 (98%), VEGFR2 (80%), VEGFR3 (67%), PDGFR alpha (82%), and PDGFR beta (82%).
  • EGFR1 expression was found in 62% of samples, with 78% of cancers expressing at least four RTKs.
  • RTK localization varied, with VEGFRs and PDGFR alpha in the cytoplasm, EGFR1 on the membrane, and PDGFR beta in stromal pericytes.

Conclusions:

  • Gastric adenocarcinomas exhibit a high degree of RTK coexpression.
  • These findings support the potential utility of combination therapies targeting multiple RTKs in gastric cancer treatment.

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