Prognostic role of angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer

The prognostic role of angiogenesis has been thoroughly examined during the past decade. Using specific monoclonal antibodies which recognize the endothelium and counting the microvessel density (MVD) under optical microscope, the tumour angiogenic ability can be estimated. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) a large number of studies have provided significant evidence that high MVD is one of the most important and independent variables defining poor outcome after surgery. The development of antibodies against several angiogenic factors, working on paraffin-embedded material, allowed the study of the angiogenic and prognostic role of molecules involved in the angiogenic process. Most of the studies published in the literature agree that expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and of thymidine phosphorylase are important prognostic factors in NSCLC. This review analyzes the results of clinicopathological studies on the prognostic role of MVD and of angiogenic factor expression in NSCLC.