Different isoform patterns for vascular endothelial growth factor between clear cell and papillary renal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms in relation to the clinical course in patients with different renal cell carcinoma (RCC) types, as angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis.


METHODS
Western blots were assayed of protein extracts from tumour and concomitant kidney cortex samples from 96 patients. The levels of VEGF189, VEGF165, and VEGF121 isoforms were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and survival.


RESULTS
VEGF189 levels were significantly higher in kidney cortex and chromophobe RCC than in papillary and conventional RCC. In papillary RCCs, VEGF189 levels correlated inversely with tumour stage and tumour size. VEGF165 levels were higher in kidney cortex than in RCC, but there was no difference among the RCC types. VEGF121 expression was associated with less advanced tumour stage in conventional RCC. Using multivariate analysis, VEGF189 remained as an independent prognostic factor for patients with papillary RCC.


CONCLUSIONS
VEGF189 was associated with tumour progression; in papillary RCC, VEGF189 was a significant independent prognostic factor. VEGF protein isoform patterns differed among the specific RCC types. Additional knowledge is essential to design new anti-angiogenic therapies for all RCC types.
Jacobsen
Jan
J
Department of Surgical and Perioperative Sciences, Urology and Andrology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden.
Grankvist
Kjell
K
Rasmuson
Torgny
T
Ljungberg
Börje
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A