The progression of invasiveness regarding the role of transforming growth factor β receptor type II in gastric cancer

Aims Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a potent growth inhibitor of epithelial cells. The expression of TGFβ receptors is required for the effect of TGFβ. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to demonstrate the roles of the expression of TGFβ type I (TβR-I) and type II (TβR-II) receptors in the progression of gastric carcinoma. Methods To evaluate the potential prognostic value of TβR-I and TβR-II, 158 consecutive gastric cancer tissues specimens obtained over a 3-year period were examined. Results A total of 50 (32%) and 28 (18%) patients had TβR-I(+) and TβR-II(+), respectively. The 5-year survival rates of the patients with TβR-I(+) and those with TβR-I(−) were 74% and 71%, respectively. In contrast, the 5-year survival rates of the patients with TβR-II(+) and those with TβR-II(−) were 57% and 75%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The extent of TβR-II was closely correlated to the macroscopic types based on the Borrmann classification (P<0.01), and curability (P<0.05). However, a significant difference between the 5-year survival rates of the patients with TβR-II(+) and those with TβR-II(−) was only obtained in advanced cases (P<0.05) not in either curative cases, non-curative cases, or early cases.Conclusions Our data suggest that when TβR-II expression correlates with the progression of invasiveness in gastric cancer, it may lead to a non-curative resection and a poor prognosis.