OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the expression of platelet derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFRalpha) in low grade astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas is associated with survival. METHODS: Formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tumour samples of 40 consecutive patients with supratentorial diffuse astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas of WHO grade 2, resected between 1986 and 1993, were used for immunohistochemical staining. The fraction of tumour cells expressing PDGFRalpha protein was quantified and entered into univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Changes in PDGFalpha expression over time were analysed in seven patients in whom reoperations had been performed. RESULTS: Patients with a relatively high fraction of PDGFRalpha expressing cells had a more favourable outcome in both univariate (p = 0.04) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.02). Expression of PDGFRalpha was greater in oligoastrocytomas than in astrocytomas (p = 0.05). In four reoperated patients with histologically confirmed malignant transformation, there was a marked decrease in the number of cells expressing the receptor. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between high PDGFRalpha expression and long survival time in patients with grade 2 astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas. The findings suggest that expression of the receptor may be a useful prognostic marker in such patients.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the expression of platelet derived growth factor alpha receptor (PDGFRalpha) in low grade astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas is associated with survival. METHODS:Formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tumour samples of 40 consecutive patients with supratentorial diffuse astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas of WHO grade 2, resected between 1986 and 1993, were used for immunohistochemical staining. The fraction of tumour cells expressing PDGFRalpha protein was quantified and entered into univariate and multivariate survival analyses. Changes in PDGFalpha expression over time were analysed in seven patients in whom reoperations had been performed. RESULTS:Patients with a relatively high fraction of PDGFRalpha expressing cells had a more favourable outcome in both univariate (p = 0.04) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.02). Expression of PDGFRalpha was greater in oligoastrocytomas than in astrocytomas (p = 0.05). In four reoperated patients with histologically confirmed malignant transformation, there was a marked decrease in the number of cells expressing the receptor. CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between high PDGFRalpha expression and long survival time in patients with grade 2 astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas. The findings suggest that expression of the receptor may be a useful prognostic marker in such patients.
Authors: K Lote; T Egeland; B Hager; B Stenwig; K Skullerud; J Berg-Johnsen; I Storm-Mathisen; H Hirschberg Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 1997-09 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: A B Karim; B Maat; R Hatlevoll; J Menten; E H Rutten; D G Thomas; F Mascarenhas; J C Horiot; L M Parvinen; M van Reijn; J J Jager; M G Fabrini; A M van Alphen; H P Hamers; L Gaspar; E Noordman; M Pierart; M van Glabbeke Journal: Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys Date: 1996-10-01 Impact factor: 7.038
Authors: M Hermanson; K Funa; J Koopmann; D Maintz; A Waha; B Westermark; C H Heldin; O D Wiestler; D N Louis; A von Deimling; M Nistér Journal: Cancer Res Date: 1996-01-01 Impact factor: 12.701
Authors: O Martinho; A Longatto-Filho; M B K Lambros; A Martins; C Pinheiro; A Silva; F Pardal; J Amorim; A Mackay; F Milanezi; N Tamber; K Fenwick; A Ashworth; J S Reis-Filho; J M Lopes; R M Reis Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2009-08-25 Impact factor: 7.640