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Updated: Apr 8, 2026
Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
PDGFR-α and CD117 Expression Pattern in Esophageal Carcinomas
Mariusz Adam Goscinski1, Stein Gunnar Larsen2, Karl-Erik Giercksky2
1Department of Surgery, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway mariuszg@online.no.
Background:
Despite advanced diagnostics and multimodal treatments, the overall 5-year survival rate for patients with esophageal cancer remains low. In the past, several specific antibodies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, targeting different steps of carcinogenesis were investigated. We examined two receptor tyrosine kinases, platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR-α) and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (CD117) in esophageal carcinomas.
Materials And Methods:
Tissue samples of 52 Norwegian patients who underwent esophagectomy were examined using immunohistochemistry.
Results:
PDGFR-α and CD117 expression was observed in cancer cells in all samples of both carcinoma types. A higher PDGFR-α immunoreactivity was detected in the squamous cell carcinoma group (p=0.032). Surprisingly, a higher number of PDGFR-α-positive cells in the analyzed samples for the entire population was associated with longer survival (p=0.05).
Conclusion:
The findings of our study need to be further validated as we examined a low number of patients. Both PDGFR-α and CD117 probably play an important role in the progression of esophageal carcinoma, and they may possibly be targets for biological anticancer therapy in the future.
Insights
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR-α) and CD117 are present in esophageal cancer cells. Higher PDGFR-α expression correlated with better survival, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Esophageal cancer has a low 5-year survival rate despite advanced treatments.
- Previous research explored antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy.
- Receptor tyrosine kinases PDGFR-α and CD117 are implicated in carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of PDGFR-α and CD117 in esophageal carcinomas.
- To explore the potential role of these receptors in esophageal cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine tissue samples from 52 Norwegian esophagectomy patients.
- Expression levels of PDGFR-α and CD117 were analyzed in different esophageal carcinoma types.
Main Results:
- PDGFR-α and CD117 expression was detected in all esophageal cancer cell samples.
- Squamous cell carcinoma showed higher PDGFR-α immunoreactivity.
- Increased PDGFR-α-positive cells were associated with improved patient survival.
Conclusions:
- PDGFR-α and CD117 likely play significant roles in esophageal cancer progression.
- These receptors may represent future targets for biological anticancer therapies.
- Further validation with larger patient cohorts is warranted.
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