[Relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor expression and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in osteosarcoma.

METHODS

The expression of VEGF was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of tumor specimens from 33 patients with osteosarcoma. The microvessel density was assessed by immunostaining with CD34 in the most neovascularized area (hot spots).

RESULTS

In osteosarcoma, the mean microvessel count of VEGF strong-expression tumors was significantly higher than that of VEGF low-expression tumors (Wilcoxon rank sum test, P < 0.05). The close correlation was found between VEGF expression and microvessel density. In contrast, no association was found between Price's grade of osteosarcoma and VEGF expression, as well as microvessel density.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that VEGF is an important angiogenic factor in osteosarcoma.