Hepatocyte growth factor expression in human cancer and therapy with specific inhibitors

Anticancer Res. 2001 Nov-Dec;21(6B):4243-52.

Abstract

Hepatocyte growth factor/Scatter Factor (HGF/SF) mediated stimulation of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase results in pleiotropic cellular effects including proliferation, morphogenesis, motility and invasion. In vivo, HGF/SF-Met activation has been shown to participate in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and metastasis. Coupled with accumulating evidence that aberrant HGF/SF-Met expression is frequently observed in a variety of human tumors, often in association with progressive disease, these data present HGF/SF-Met as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in human cancer. In this review, we will present the most compelling evidence suggesting a key role for HGF/SF-Met signaling in tumorigenesis, and discuss several possible therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor / physiology
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology

Substances

  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor