Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 in Merkel cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to examine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and to correlate the expression with tumour growth and the development of metastasis.


METHODS
The study included 21 patients treated for MCC at Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland between 1987 and 2003. The VEGFR-2 expression was studied by immunohistochemistry. The correlations between the quantitative expression of VEGFR-2 and tumour size and metastatic dissemination were analyzed statistically.


RESULTS
VEGFR-2 was expressed in 91% of the large (> or =2 cm) and 70% of the small (<2 cm) tumours. There was a stronger positive correlation between expression of VEGFR-2 and tumour size than between VEGFR-2 and metastatic potential.


CONCLUSIONS
A correlation between the expression of pro-angiogenic marker and tumour size was established. Our results indicate that inhibiting angiogenesis could be a treatment option for MCC. The role of neovascularization in the metastatic process in MCC remains to be determined.
Kukko
Heli
H
Department of Plastic Surgery and 2Gastroenterological and General Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. heli.kukko@hus.fi
Koljonen
Virve
V
Lassus
Patrik
P
Tukiainen
Erkki
E
Haglund
Caj
C
Böhling
Tom
T
D015266:Carcinoma, Merkel Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D048708:Cell Growth Processes / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D040301:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2