Clinical significance of co-expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in non-small cell lung cancer.
- Author:
Qingchang LI
1
;
Xin DONG
;
Wei GU
;
Xueshan QIU
;
Enhua WANG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; metabolism; Endothelial Growth Factors; biosynthesis; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Lung Neoplasms; metabolism; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3; biosynthesis
- From: Chinese Medical Journal 2003;116(5):727-730
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) expression, VEGFR-3 expression, lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
METHODSSeventy-six NSCLC samples were stained for VEGF-C, VEGFR-3 and CD34 with immunohistochemical methods. Assessment of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and microvessel density (MVD) was performed. The expressions of VEGF-C in 24 fresh NSCLC samples were determined with Western blot assay.
RESULTSOf the 76 NSCLC cases, 55 were VEGF-C positive and 40 were VEGFR-3 positive in cancer cells. A significant positive correlation was found between VEGF-C expression and VEGFR-3 expression in cancer cells (P < 0.05). VEGF-C expression was negatively associated with differentiation of tumor cells (P < 0.05). VEGF-C expression and VEGFR-3 expression were positively associated with lymph node metastasis and lymphatic invasion (P < 0.05). LVD was positively related to VEGF-C expression, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and clinical stage (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between LVD and MVD (R = 0.732, P < 0.05). Patients with positive VEGF-C expression had worse outcomes than those with negative VEGF-C expression (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONSIn NSCLC, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 are related to the lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, and occurrence and development of lung cancers. VEGF-C expression could be a useful predictor of poor prognosis in NSCLC.