Objective: To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and to clarify the association of VEGF expression with the angiogenesis and prognosis of this tumor.
Methods: VEGF expression and MVD in 82 specimens of primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, resected from Jan 1981 through May 1994, were examined by immunohistochemistry staining (SP method), using anti-VEGF polyclonal antibody and anti-factor VIII monoclonal antibody. The relationship between VEGF expression and MVD and postoperative survival of patient was analyzed.
Results: Fifty-two out of the eighty-two specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (63.4%) showed positive expression of VEGF. The median of MVD in tumor was 37/mm2 (9-150/mm2). There was a close correlation between MVD and VEGF expression (P = 0.001). The survival rate of patients with high MVD in the tumor was significantly lower than that of patients with low MVD (P = 0.017). The higher the level of expression of VEGF in tumor, the poorer prognosis for the patients (P = 0.000).
Conclusion: In primary esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, angiogenesis is mediated mainly by VEGF. VEGF is associated with tumor progression and may increase the malignancy via angiogenesis. It may be used as an independent indicator for prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.