[Significance of VEGF expression and microvessel count in oral carcinoma]

To evaluate the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) expression in oral carcinomas.

Immunohistochemical staining(SABC) was used to quantify VEGF expression in specimens from 56 patients with oral carcinomas. SPSS statistical software was used for analysis.

VEGF expression was observed in 29 of the patients(51.8%). The microvessel count was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the oral carcinomas with VEGF expression than in the oral carcinomas without it. In the clinicopathologic factors, lymph node metastasis(P < 0.05) and differentiated degree (P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with VEGF expression, but there was no significantly correlation between the clinicopathologic stage and VEGF positive expression. The 5-year survival rate after curative surgery was better in the patients without VEGF expression (P < 0.05).

This study indicates that VEGF expression is associated with angiogenesis, VEGF is one of the main angiogenic factors for oral carcinomas. Quantification of VEGF in oral tissues may provide a valuable marker for the prognosis of patients with oral carcinomas.