Platelet Derived Growth Factor BB: A "Must-have" Therapeutic Target "Redivivus" in Ovarian Cancer

Cancer Genomics Proteomics. 2016;13(6):511-517. doi: 10.21873/cgp.20014.

Abstract

Background: We aimed to validate PDGF-BB protein expression by RNAscope, a sensitive method for PDGF-BB mRNA evaluation on paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens of ovarian tumors.

Materials and methods: Seventy-five FFPE ovarian cancer biopsies were assessed by immunohistochemistry followed by PDGF-BB mRNA RNAscope validation.

Results and conclusion: Dual PDGF-BB expression in tumor and stromal cells have been observed, being highly suggestive for PDGF-BB mediated stromal-tumor cells reciprocal interaction in ovarian cancer (p=0.008). It seems that the nuclear expression of the PDGF-BB represents a negative prognostic factor in ovarian tumors. Being a controversial issue in the literature, PDGF-BB nuclear expression detected by immunohistochemistry was validated by RNAscope in situ hybridization. More than 65% of cases had PDGF-BB mRNA amplification, confirming immunohistochemical results. We herein validated PDGF-BB as a potential therapeutic and prognostic tool of ovarian cancer aggressiveness.

Keywords: PDGF-BB; RNAscope; ovarian carcinoma; therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Becaplermin
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / biosynthesis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Becaplermin