Is there association between characteristics of gastric tumor growth and activation of different growth factor systems

29Background: Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach (SRCC) is significantly associated with poor prognosis and low treatment effectiveness, compared to adenocarcinoma of the stomach (AC). One of the causes of SRCC aggressive course can be its diffuse invasive growth pattern. The ability of tumor cells to synthesize and/or capture growth factors ensures the independent tumor development. VEGF, EGF, IGFI and EGFII facilitate neoangiogenesis and regulation of malignant processes in paracrine/autocrine mechanisms. The purpose of the study was to find the difference between local levels of VEGF, EGF, IGFI and IGFII in tumor and intact tissues in AC and SRCC. Methods: Levels of VEGF, EGF, EGFR, IGF-I and IGFII were determined by ELISA in tumor and intact gastric tissues of 15 AC patients and 10 SRCC patients (T2-3N0-2M0, G2-3), mean age 62.8±2.38 years. Results: Levels of IGF-I, IGF-II and VEGF in intact gastric tissues were similar in AC and SRCC. EGF and EGFR levels in AC were 2.9 and 1.5 higher than in S...