PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF VEGF EXPRESSION IN PRIMARY ESOPHAGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

To study the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and clarify the association of VEGF expression with the angiogenesis and prognostic value of this disease. Methods: Eighty-two cases with primary ESCC treated with radical operation in Department of Surgery from Jan 1981 through May 1994 were enrolled. VEGF expression and MVD value were examined by immunohistochemical staining, the streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex method (SP method), using anti-VEGF polyclonal antibody and anti-Factor-VIII antibody, respectively. We also analyzed the relationship between VEGF expression and MVD value and postoperative survival rate of patients. Results: Of the 82 cases, 63.4% cases showed positive for VEGF in tumor cells and the median of MVD in tumor was 37 (9-150)·mm-2. There was a close correlation between MVD and VEGF (P=0.001). The 5-year survival rate of patients with low and high MVD was 34.1% and 12.2%, respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 46.7% in patients with VEGF-negative tumor and 11.5% in patients with VEGF-positive tumor. These differences were statistically significant (P=0.017 and P<0.001, respectively). Conclusion: In ESCC, angiogenesis is mediated mainly by VEGF and VEGF may be associated with tumor progression and increased malignancy via angiogenesis.