Activated MET is a molecular prognosticator and potential therapeutic target for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Purpose: MET signaling has been suggested a potential role in malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Here, MET function and blockade were preclinically assessed.

Experimental Design: Expression levels of MET, its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and phosphorylated MET (pMET) were examined in a clinically annotated MPNST tissue microarray (TMA) incorporating univariable and multivariable statistical analyses.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta inhibition increases tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) sensitivity: imatinib and TRAIL dual therapy.

Background: There is a crucial need for better therapeutic approaches for the treatment of Ewing sarcoma (EWS). Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in EWS cells in vitro. However, in vivo, acquired resistance to TRAIL is a major limiting factor.

Inhibiting platelet-derived growth factor beta reduces Ewing's sarcoma growth and metastasis in a novel orthotopic human xenograft model.

Background: Despite aggressive therapy, Ewing's sarcoma (ES) patients have a poor five-year overall survival of only 20-40%. Pulmonary metastasis is the most common form of demise in these patients. The pathogenesis of pulmonary metastasis is poorly understood and few orthotopic models exist that allow study of spontaneous pulmonary metastasis in ES.