Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor correlates with tumor progression in gallbladder cancer.

Angiogenesis must occur for malignant tumors to proliferate and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is now believed to be central to this process. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF was performed on surgical resection specimens from 50 patients with gallbladder cancer. VEGF-positive rate was 38%. Comparison of clinicopathologic parameters between the groups with and without VEGF expression showed significant differences in tumor size, lymphatic invasion and disease stage. Survival rate was worse in the patients whose tumors demonstrated VEGF expression. It is suggested that VEGF is correlated with tumor progression and may be used as a prognostic indicator.