Prognostic significance of platelet-derived growth factor-BB expression in human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas.

BACKGROUND

Cancer metastases are commonly found in the lymphatic system and tumor lymphangiogenesis requires the interplay of several growth factors. The expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C in esophageal cancer was investigated to define their clinicopathological significance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using immunohistochemistry, the expression of PDGF-BB and VEGF-C was examined, along with lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in 53 patients with esophageal cancer.

RESULTS

PDGF-BB and VEGF-C expression was positive in 31 cases (58.5%) and 38 cases (71.7%), respectively, and expression correlated with lymph node metastasis and lymphatic invasion. Furthermore, PDGF-BB expression correlated with the depth of tumor invasion and the size of the tumor, and PDGF-BB-positive patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than PDGF-BB-negative patients. The LVD in positive PDGF-BB or VEGF-C tumors was higher than in negative tumors.

CONCLUSION

PDGF-BB may play a pivotal role in lymphangiogenesis and tumor growth in esophageal cancer.