Objective To investigate the correlation between angiogenesis and tumor growth pattern as well as the lymph node metastasis to reveal the significance of vascularity in the early stage of gastric cancer.Methods 97 specimens from patients with early gastric cancer were studied by immunohistochemical method using anti-factor Ⅷ related antigen antibody.Results Microvessel count was related to tumor growth pattern. The mean vessel count was higher in superficially spreading and penetrating types of tumors. Lymph node metastasis was correlated to microvessel count. Tumors with lymph node metastasis had higher microvessel counts than those without lymph node metastasis.Conclusions In the early stage of gastric carcinoma, angiogenesis is correlated with tumor growth pattern and lymph node metastasis. Identification of tumors with high density of vascularization is beneficial for closer follow-up and adjuvant therapy.

PURPOSE: Tumor spread is mainly dependent on both hematogenous and lymphogeneous systems, and recently, several angiogenic factors have been identified. In the present study, we investigated whether the expressions of VEGF-A and -C are related with angiogenesis and lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 97 specimens btained from patients with early gastric cancer were studied by immunohistochemical methods using anti- VEGF-A and -C polyclonal antibodies, anti-Factor VIII- related antigen antibody, and anti-p53 antibody. RESULTS: The percentage of the positive expressions of VEGF-A and -C were 24.7% (24/97) and 25.7% (25/97), respectively. Significant differences were found between the expression of VEGF-A and lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis, and between expression of VEGF-C and gross type, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). The mean microvessel counts in VEGF-A and -C positive tumors were significantly higher than those in VEGF-A and -C negative tumors (p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, tumor size, lymphatic invasion and VEGF-C were identified as independent factors related to lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The expressions of VEGF-A and -C were found to be related to angiogenic activity and VEGF-C expression correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis. The determination of VEGF-C expression may be helpful for predicting lymph node metastases in early gastric cancer, and further studies involving many specimens are warranted.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; Antibodies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Microvessels ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C*