Significance of Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Pancreatic Carcinoma

Abstract

Tumor angiogenesis is essential for growth and metastases of solid tumor. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenesis-promoting factor. It has been reported that VEGF expression is associated with hematogenous metastases. It has been hypothesized supposed that occult liver metastases already exist at the time of pancreatectomy. In order to explore the mechanism of liver metastases, we investigated VEGF expression in human pancreatic carcinoma immunohistochemically. We examined tumor specimens from 38 surgically resected pancreatic carcinoma by counting microves - sels and by staining for VEGF and factor VIII. Nine of thirty-eight cases (24%) were positive for VEGF. Microvessel counts varied from 0 to 122 counts/×200 field (mean±SD=17.47±3.85). Microvessel counts were significantly higher in VEGF positive tumors than those in VEGF negative ones. VEGF positivity was correlated with vessel involvement. 15 out of 38 patients experienced liver metastases. All of the patients with VEGF positive tumors had liver metastases. VEGF-related angiogenesis may play an important role in human pancreatic carcinoma. VEGF expression may be correlated with liver metastases.