Correlation of epidermal growth factor receptor expression with tumor microdensity vessels and with vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ovarian carcinoma.
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.
Raspollini
Maria Rosaria
MR
Department of Human Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, School of Medicine, Florence, Italy.
Castiglione
Francesca
F
Garbini
Francesca
F
Villanucci
Alessandro
A
Amunni
Gianni
G
Baroni
Gianna
G
Boddi
Vieri
V
Taddei
Gian Luigi
GL
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*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D066246:ErbB Receptors