Influence of microvessel density and vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor expression on prognosis in vulvar cancer.
Microvessel density (MVD) and expression of vascular permeability factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (VPF/VEGF), acting as a highly specific inducer of angiogenesis, were evaluated in tissue specimens of 25 patients with squamous cell cancer of the vulva. MVD was quantified by immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen at one field of 0.25 mm2. VPF/VEGF expression was evaluated immunohistochemically using a monoclonal anti-VEGF antibody. FIGO stages I, II, and III were diagnosed in 12, 7, and 6 patients, respectively. MVD >20/field was found in 10 of 25 tumors and moderate or strong expression of VPF/VEGF in 10 of 25 tumors. High MVD was significantly more frequent in tumors with moderate or strong VPF/VEGF expression compared to tumors with no or weak VPF/VEGF expression (P = 0.01). Overall survival rates of patients with tumors of high MVD (P = 0.01) and strong VPF/VEGF expression (P < 0.01) were significantly poorer compared to those patients with low MVD or poor VPF/VEGF expression. Strong VPF/VEGF expression and high MVD are considered important parameters of tumor angiogenesis and therefore are related to poor survival probability in vulvar cancer patients.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Vienna, Austria.
A
A
Obermair
P
P
Kohlberger
D
D
Bancher-Todesca
C
C
Tempfer
G
G
Sliutz
S
S
Leodolter
A
A
Reinthaller
C
C
Kainz
G
G
Breitenecker
G
G
Gitsch
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000737:chemistry*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000032:analysis*; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000737:chemistry*
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors