Correlation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D Expression and VEGFR-3-Positive Vessel Density with Lymph Node Metastasis in Gastric Carcinoma.
10.3346/jkms.2008.23.4.592
- Author:
Jung Hye CHOI
1
;
Young Ha OH
;
Yong Wook PARK
;
Hong Kyu BAIK
;
Young Yiul LEE
;
In Soon KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. jhcmd@hanyang.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- Keywords:
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3;
Stomach Neoplasms
- MeSH:
Adult;
Aged;
Female;
Humans;
Immunohistochemistry;
Lymphatic Metastasis;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Prognosis;
Stomach Neoplasms/*blood supply/chemistry/*pathology;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D/*analysis;
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-3/*analysis
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science
2008;23(4):592-597
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Lymph node metastasis is an important prognostic factor in gastric cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) is a lymphangiogenic growth factor that activates VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-3, a receptor expressed in the lymphatic endothelium. We investigated the clinical value of VEGF-D expression and VEGFR-3 positive vessel density in gastric carcinoma with regard to lymphangiogenesis. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine the expression of VEGF-D and VEGFR- 3 in specimens from 104 cases of resected gastric cancer. VEGF-D expression was observed in 62.5% of the gastric cancers and in 9.6% of the non-neoplastic gastric tissue. The VEGFR-3-positive vessel density was significantly greater in the VEGFD positive group than the negative group. VEGF-D expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, increased serum CEA levels, and the nonsignet ring cell type. The VEGFR-3-positive vessel density was correlated with tumor size, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis. The VEGF-D expression and high VEGFR-3-positive vessel density were significant poor prognostic factors for relapse-free survival. These results suggest that VEGF-D and VEGFR-3-positive vessel density are potential molecular markers that predict lymphatic involvement in gastric carcinoma.
