The Relationship Between Tumor Angiogenesis And Proliferation In HCC And Their Clinical Significances

Tumor angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of solid tumor, microvessel density (MVD) has great significance in tumor prognostic evaluation. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is also a good marker which determines cell proliferatig status.In the present study, we investigated these primary liver cancer specimens by immunohistochemical techniques with the monochonal antibodies agaiast CD34 and PCNA. The intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) and PCNA index were counted and their relationship with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis were analyzed.Fourty-one paraffined tissues sample were obtained from the Pathology department at the First Hospital Affiliated to Medical College, Zhejiang University.Eavaluation of MVD: In each slide, five areas considered to have high vascularization were selected at low power (X100). Then the microvessels in each of the five areas were counted in a X 200 field. Five fields were counted and averaged.Evaluation of PCNA index: In each slide, five areas considered to have more positive cell were selected at low power (X 100). Then the positive cell hi each of the five areas were counted in a X 400 field. Five fields were counted and averaged.Results:1. Anti-CD34 positive staining in tumor tissues presented diffused and sinusoid-like vessels.2. The blood vessels stained with CD34 polyclonal antibody in a manner of network, and with close connection among them.3. The HCC nodes were connected by stroma, and the blood vessels in the stroma were dilated.4.The relationship between the MVD, PCNA and its clinicopathological variables of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC): MVD was correlated with tumor size, differentiation, Emboli in the portal vein and capsule, but not to HBsAg> AFP and liver cirrhosis. It is the same as PCNA.5. MVD and PCNA are also correlated with metastasis of HCC6. MVD is positively correlated with the expression of PCNA in HCC 7.MVD and PCNA are also correlated with patients surviual. Thehypovascular groups survival is longer than that in hyper-vascular group.The study indicated that MVD and PCNA can be used as two important indicators to judge the invasion, metastasis and prognosis of HCC. These two indicators also can be valuable in the prognostic evaluation of HCC and in determining the treatment plan of chemotherapy after the operation of HCC.