VEGF and VEGF receptor-1 concentration in vestibular schwannoma homogenates correlates to tumor growth rate.
OBJECTIVE
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most potent mediators of angiogenesis, which is a mandatory process during tumor growth. Immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated VEGF expression in vestibular schwannomas (VS), and a semi-quantitation of staining intensity indicated a correlation between tumor growth rate and VEGF expression. The present objectives were to determine the concentration of VEGF and the high-affinity receptor VEGFR-1 in VS homogenates and to examine a possible correlation with symptom duration, tumor size, or growth rate.


METHODS
Prospective selection of 27 patients with VS growth determined by repeated magnetic resonance imaging. Patient files were reviewed for symptom duration and all magnetic resonance images reviewed for determination of tumor size and growth rate. ELISA was used for determination of the VEGF and VEGFR-1 concentration in tumor homogenates.


METHODS
Tertiary University Hospital Clinic.


RESULTS
All tumor homogenates contained VEGF and VEGFR-1. A significant correlation existed between the concentration of both VEGF and VEGFR-1 and tumor growth rate but not symptom duration or tumor size.


CONCLUSIONS
The concentration of VEGF and VEGFR-1 in VS homogenates correlates with tumor growth rate but not with tumor size or symptom duration. We conclude that VEGF and VEGFR-1 appear to be directly involved in the growth pattern of VS.
Cayé-Thomasen
Per
P
Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Gentofte University Hospital of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark. pcaye@dadlnet.dk
Werther
Kim
K
Nalla
Amarnadh
A
Bøg-Hansen
Thorkild C
TC
Nielsen
Hans Jørgen
HJ
Stangerup
Sven-Eric
SE
Thomsen
Jens
J
D000328:Adult; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology*; D009464:Neuroma, Acoustic / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques; D047368:Tumor Burden / Q000502:physiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000032:analysis*; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / Q000032:analysis*
D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D040281:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1