Most human granulosa cell tumors express c-MET: A potential new therapeutic target.
Publication Title
Physiol Int
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-1-2026
Keywords
Humans; Female; Granulosa Cell Tumor; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-met; Adult; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Ovarian Neoplasms; Adolescent; Aged; Young Adult; Child; c-MET; hepatocyte growth factor receptor/HGFR; human granulosa cell tumor; immunoreactivity.; california; tarzana
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase c-MET has a central role in granulosa cells in many physiological and pathological processes of granulosa cells, including cell survival and folliculogenesis. We therefore hypothesized that c-MET may be expressed in granulosa cell tumors (GCTs).
METHODS: c-MET immunostaining was performed retrospectively on human GCT specimens, including adult (n = 19) and juvenile GCTs (n = 2). Data was collected on patient demographics, tumor stage, and size. Furthermore, staining intensity was analyzed by a staining intensity score, and the presence or absence of membranous staining was noted. Multivariate logistic regression was used for statistical analysis, with P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. Juvenile GCTs were excluded from the statistical analysis.
RESULTS: Both cytoplasmic and membranous staining was seen in GCT tissues, with the majority (∼74%) of the adult and both juvenile cases showing positive membranous staining. As expected, vascular endothelial cells were also c-MET positive in the tumor tissue. Amongst the adult GCT patients, tumor mitotic activity was higher with older age (r = 0.531; P = 0.019). Also, smaller tumors had higher c-MET intensity scores (r = -0.579, P = 0.038).
CONCLUSIONS: Most GCTs were c-MET positive by immunostaining along with the vascular endothelial cells, highlighting the potential of c-MET inhibition as a therapeutic option in these tumors.
Area of Special Interest
Women & Children
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Specialty/Research Institute
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
DOI
10.1556/2060.2026.00825
