title: Correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression with tumor microdensity vessels and with vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ovarian carcinoma.
abstract: We analyzed in advanced ovarian serous G3 carcinoma the correlation between epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression and tumor angiogenesis and their relation with clinical outcome. Microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were statistically correlated with disease-free interval and death from disease both in univariate and multivariate analyses while EGFR expression was not correlated with clinical outcome. MVD was significantly associated with progression of disease during chemotherapy while VEGF and EGFR expression were not correlated with responsiveness to chemotherapy (Fisher's exact test). VEGF expression was correlated with MVD (Fisher's exact test). EGFR showed a trend to correlation with MVD. Further studies focusing on the use of angiogenesis inhibitors in addition to EGFR inhibitors on ovarian carcinoma cells may produce therapeutic strategies in the selection of tailored therapies in ovarian cancer patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, School of Medicine, Florence, Italy.
authors.forename: Maria Rosaria
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Raspollini
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Castiglione
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Garbini
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Villanucci
authors.forename: Gianni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Amunni
authors.forename: Gianna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baroni
authors.forename: Vieri
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Boddi
authors.forename: Gian Luigi
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Taddei
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D018450:Disease Progression; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D016016:Proportional Hazards Models; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D066246:ErbB Receptors