[Effect of FGF-BP on angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma]

To localize fibroblast growth factors binding protein (FGF-BP) mRNA in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and study the FGF-BP association with vascularity.

Thirty-five primary squamous cell carcinoma specimens, 8 metastatic squamous cell carcinoma specimens and 7 histologically adjacent tissues were studied. The localization of FGF-BP mRNA expression was performed using in situ hybridization with 35 S-labeled human FGF-BP. Microvessels in tumor specimens were identified by von Willebrand Factor-specific immunohistochemical staining for endothelial cells.

In situ hybridization demonstrated that FGF-BP mRNA was overexpressed in SCC. But a specific hybridization signal for FGF-BP mRNA was not detected in normal adult muscle, larynx, tongue, and lymph node. The highest density of microvessels was observed at the invasive edge of the tumor. The mean microvessel count in FGF-BP positive SCC was significantly higher than that in FGF-BP negative tumors (P < 0.001).

The results demonstrated that FGF-BP is present in SCC of the head and neck. The association of FGF-BP expression with angiogenesis suggests that FGF-BP may be an angiogenic factor in SCC.