VEGF-C expression in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
BACKGROUND
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is the only factor known to cause lymphangiogenesis. In esophageal cancer the histologic tumor type and lymph node metastasis are independent predictors of recurrence and poor outcome. To evaluate the rule of VEGF-C expression in esophageal cancer, we investigated 113 specimens, 59 squamous cell and 54 adenocarcinomas of the esophagus.


METHODS
The expression of VEGF-C was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) on 59 paraffin-embedded archival specimens from patients with squamous cell esophageal carcinomas and 54 paraffin-embedded archival specimens of patients with esophageal adenocarcinomas arising in Barrett's mucosa. All patients had a complete tumor resection. A complete and updated follow-up was available for all patients.


RESULTS
The expression of VEGF-C was significantly different between the two histological types of esophageal tumors. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma and lymph node metastases had a significantly higher VEGF-C expression (P < 0.01). In patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus there was no correlation between VEGF-C expression and clinicopathological parameters. High VEGF-C expression tended to be correlated with poor survival in squamous cell cancer but not in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study indicates that VEGF-C may play a role in tumor progression via lymphangiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This seems not to be true for the adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. These data could help with the understanding of the different onset and characteristics of lymph node metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.
Möbius
Christian
C
Second Department of Surgery, University of Leipzig, Germany.
Freire
José
J
Second Department of Surgery, Santa Maria Hospital, Lisbon Medical School, Portugal.
Becker
Ingrid
I
Pathology Department, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Feith
Marcus
M
Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Brücher
Björn L D M
BLDM
Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Hennig
Michael
M
Institute of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität Munchen, Germany.
Siewert
J Rüdiger
JR
Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany.
Stein
Hubert J
HJ
Department of Surgery, Salzburger Landesklinik, University Hospital Salzburg, Austria. h.j.stein@salk.at.|, Müllner Haupstraße 48, A-5020, Salzburg, Austria. h.j.stein@salk.at.
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D016019:Survival Analysis; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / Q000032:analysis*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D042582:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C