Review for 10.1186/s12876-018-0870-3 (2018)

Reviewer ’s report  
Title: Apatinib affect VEGF -mediated cell proliferation, m igration, invasion via blocking 
VEGFR2/MEK/ERK in cholangiocarcinoma cell of QBC939  
 
Version: 0 Date: 21 Jan 2018  
 
Reviewer: Nisana Namwat  
 
Reviewer's report:  
1. Apatinib affect VEGF -mediated the proliferation  of cholangiocarcinoma cells has already 
been reported by Peng et al 2016. The in vivo study has already been investigated. The 
conclusion appeared in this study has not been updated.  
2. This study reported only one cell line is not enough for the conclus ion. At least 2 cell lines are 
required.  
3. To improve the qualify of work to meet the standard of the journal, the authors need to shown 
more signaling networks which might be interfered by apatinib.  
4. Metastatic markers need to be assessed to ensure th e effect of apatinib.  
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
Yes 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
Yes 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
No 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manus cript or would you recommend an 
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please speci fy what aspects require further 
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
I am able to assess the statistics  
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
Acceptable  
Decla ration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, f ees, funding, or salary from an 
organisation that may in any way gain or l ose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation t hat may in any way gain or lose 
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents  relating to the content of the 
manuscript?  
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing interests' 
below. If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests.  
 
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I agree to the open peer review policy of the journal