Expression Of Slit2 And Its Correlation With Lymphatic Vessel Density In Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Objective:To investigate expression of Slit2 and its correlation with the lymphatic vessel density(LVD) in human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas, and to analyze their influences on the biological behavior of human hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.Method:Expressions of Slit2 and D2-40 labeled lymphatic vessel density(LVD) were measured by immunochemical staining in 62 cases with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma samples and 42 cases with normal tissues.Results:The positive rates of Slit2 in cancerous tissues and para-cancerous tissues were respectively 65.2% and 40.5%(χ2= 6.329, P< 0.05). Expression rate of Slit2 and enumeration of LVD were significantly associated with tumor size,TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis. The numeration of MVD was increased in Slit2 -positive tissues (t= 2.273, P< 0.05). Expression of Slit2 had a positive correlation with LVD(rs= 0.430, P< 0.05).Conclusion:Expression of Slit2 and enumeration of LVD are significantly higher in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma than in normal mucosa. They have significant relations to tumor invasion and lymph node metastasis, and the mechanism might be that Slit2 mediated new lymphatic vessel formation in tumors.