Evaluation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C role in urothelial carcinomas of the bladder.

作者信息

Mylona Eleni, Magkou Christina, Gorantonakis George, Giannopoulou Ioanna, Nomikos Alexandros, Zarogiannos Aristides, Zervas Anastasios, Nakopoulou Lydia

机构信息

First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, "Laikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.

出版信息

Anticancer Res. 2006 Sep-Oct;26(5A):3567-71.

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) has been associated with angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and regional lymph node metastasis and was reported to have an anti-apoptotic and proliferative role.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An immunohistochemical study was applied to 123 specimens of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) to detect VEGF-C and investigate its clinicopathological and prognostic value. VEGF-C-immunostained BUC specimens (123) were statistically correlated with histological grade and stage, patient overall survival and immuno-expression of Ki-67 and bax proteins.

RESULTS

VEGF-C immunopositivity (27/123 BUCs, 22.0%) was inversely correlated with tumor stage and bax immunoexpression (p = 0.007 and p = 0.032, respectively). VEGF-C-positive BUCs tended to have better prognosis (univariate analysis).

CONCLUSION

VEGF-C might be associated with an anti-apoptotic phenotype. Our controversial results regarding patient survival suggest that the role of VEGF-C in BUC progression and prognosis remains to be clarified.