Tissue factor expression and angiogenesis in human prostate carcinoma

In tumors, the switch to the angiogenic phenotype is thought to be controlled by a balance of positive and negative angiogenic factors. Tissue factor (TF) produced by tumor cells has been implicated in the regulation of this "angiogenic switch" through its ability to concurrently induce the expression of angiogenic molecules such as vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF), while inhibiting the expression of anti-angiogenic molecules such as thrombospondin 2. We have examined TF expression and its relationship to angiogenesis and tumor progression in human prostate carcinomas. Most of the prostate carcinoma specimens examined (73%; n = 67) express high levels of TF. Immunohistochemical analysis localized TF expression to the epithelial cells of malignant glands. TF expression was significantly correlated with tumor angiogenesis as measured by the microvessel density (MVD). In addition, TF expression was correlated with the preoperative PSA level, a strong predictor of recurrence in prostate carcinomas. Our findings show that TF expression by the malignant glands in prostate cancer is common and suggest a role for this molecule in regulating prostate cancer progression and angiogenesis.