Targeting the HGF/c-MET pathway in advanced pancreatic cancer: a key element of treatment that limits primary tumour growth and eliminates metastasis.

Background: Stromal-tumour interactions facilitate pancreatic cancer (PC) progression. The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway is upregulated in PC and mediates the interaction between cancer cells and stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs). This study assessed the effect of HGF/c-MET inhibition plus gemcitabine (G) on the progression of advanced PC.