Lymphatic vessel density as prognostic marker in esophageal adenocarcinoma.
We studied tumor lymphatic vascular density (LVD) as a predictive marker for the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis and its relationship to other prognostic parameters and survival in 75 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Samples were immunostained for D2-40, CD31, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Microvessels were counted in densely vascular/lymphatic foci (hot spots) at x400 field (0.17 mm2). Intensity of staining for VEGF was scored on a 2-tiered scale. CD31 microvessel counts showed significant correlation with tumor stage and patient survival (P < .01). D2-40 LVD demonstrated a significant correlation with LN metastases, lymphovascular invasion, and tumor stage (r = 0.45, r = 0.47, and r = 0.37, respectively) and with shorter disease-free survival. D2-40 detected lymphovascular invasion in 29 of 75 cases, more than with CD31 (23/75) and H&E (18/75). VEGF was expressed in 48 (64%) of 75 cases and was significantly correlated with lymphovascular invasion, LN metastases, and overall survival. Our study showed that angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis have important roles in the progression of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Saad
Reda S
RS
Department of Pathology, Allegheny General Hospital.
Lindner
Jennifer L
JL
Liu
Yulin
Y
Silverman
Jan F
JF
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000473:pathology; D042601:Lymphatic Vessels / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D055806:Microvessels / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 / Q000032:analysis; D011379:Prognosis; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000096:biosynthesis
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D019408:Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; C500987:monoclonal antibody D2-40