Study On Expression Of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor And Microvessel Density In Colorectal Carcinoma And Its Clinical Significance

Objective: Quantification of tumor angiogenesis has been recently noticed in tumor growth, metastasis and invasion, and become a "hot spot" in turner research field. Angiogenesis has been proved essential for turner growth invasion and metatasis, such as breast carcinoma gastric cancer liver cancer and so on. But there are few study of the role of angiogenesis in cloerectal cancer. It's role is still controversial.Method: Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and mircovessel density levels were measured in 160 patients with colorectal cancer, and correlation with pathological parameters was analysed.Results: In 160 colorectal cancer patients, VEGF immunoreactivity was positive in 73( weak in 16, intermediate in 25, and strong in 32). The grade of positivity against VEGF was significantly higher with advanced stages of the disease(Duckes stage)(P<0.01). The expression level of VEGF in primary cancer with lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in those without lymph node involvement(p<0.01). The same results were also found in primary cancer with liver metstasis than those in primary cancer without liver metastasis. No significant correlation was found between VEGF and tumor size differentiated stage. Positive correlation was found between MVD and VEGF expression .High MVD was associated with lymph node metastasis Dukes stage and liver metastasis.Conclusion: The results suggest that VEGF and MVD may involved in the Dukes stage and metastasis of the colerectal cancer and that higher expression level of VEGF and MVD predict metastasis of the tumor and poor prognosis of the patients.