TGF-alpha, c-erbB-2 expression and neoangiogenesis in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
TGF-alpha and c-erbB-2 are important mediators of tumor neoangiogenesis linked to the epidermal growth factor receptor. Thus, we analyzed TGF-alpha c-erbB-2 and tumor neoangiogenesis in vulvar carcinoma and determined their prognostic significance.


METHODS
Seventy-five carcinomas were evaluated for histological parameters. Tumors were stained immunohistologically for TGF-alpha, c-erbB-2 and factor VIII antigen. Results were analyzed statistically by chi2-test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank-test.


RESULTS
Sixty-five % of the carcinomas were positive for TGF-alpha in >50% of the tumor cells. C-erbB-2 overexpression occurred in 47% of the tumors, but there was frequently a high cytoplasmatic staining. Twenty-nine % showed high microvessel densitiy. These tumors were more likely to have vascular space involvement (p=0.02). In carcinomas with TGF-alpha expression in >50% of the tumor cells, microvessel density was increased (p=0.05). Overall and disease-free survival tended to be reduced for tumors with high TGF-alpha expression and microvessel density, but differences were not significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Tumor neoangiogenesis is an important event in vulvar carcinogenesis which is related to the expression of growth factors.
Hantschmann
Peer
P
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kreisklinik Altöting, 84503 Altötting, Germany.
Jeschke
Udo
U
Friese
Klaus
K
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D011379:Prognosis; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism*; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*
D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha