Platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor in keratinizing-type squamous cell uterine cervical cancer.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intratumor expression of platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) is a prognostic factor. We examined specimens from 61 cases of carcinoma of uterine cervix (Ca-Cx). Specimens were stained with periodic acid-Schiff preparation with diastase (d-PAS) and alcian blue (pH 2.5) to identify the presence of intracellular mucin. PD-ECGF expression and microvessel count (MVC) were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Twenty specimens stained positive for mucin. MVC correlated with clinical stage (p<0.01). There was a correlation between PD-ECGF expression and survival time (p<0.05), but no correlation was seen between mucin staining positivity, MVC, and PD-ECGF expression and survival time by the Cox proportional hazard model. Intratumor PD-ECGF expression was not a prognostic factor in keratinizing-type squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.