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CD34 microvessel density and VEGF expression in basal and squamous cell carcinoma
Barbara Loggini1, Laura Boldrini, Silvia Gisfredi
1Department of Surgery, Section of Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Pathology, Research and Practice
|January 8, 2004
Summary
Squamous cell carcinomas exhibit higher microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels than basal cell carcinomas, suggesting neoangiogenesis contributes to squamous cell carcinoma
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for solid tumor growth.
- Skin cancers like squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) exhibit distinct clinical behaviors.
- Understanding the angiogenic differences between SCC and BCC may elucidate their varied prognoses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the angiogenic patterns in SCC and BCC.
- To investigate differences in microvessel density (MVD) and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA (VEGFmRNA) levels.
- To correlate these angiogenic factors with tumor histotype and biological behavior.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 39 skin tumors (26 BCC, 13 SCC).
- Quantification of microvessel density (MVD) and VEGFmRNA levels.
- Immunohistochemical assessment of VEGF expression.
- Statistical analysis to determine inter-relationships between MVD, VEGF, and histotype.
Main Results:
- SCCs predominantly showed high MVD, while BCCs had lower MVD (p = 0.0001).
- SCCs exhibited significantly higher VEGFmRNA levels compared to BCCs (p = 0.0003).
- A strong positive correlation was observed between high MVD and high VEGFmRNA levels (p = 0.006).
Conclusions:
- Squamous cell carcinomas demonstrate a more pronounced angiogenic phenotype than basal cell carcinomas.
- Elevated VEGF expression and microvessel density in SCCs are linked to their more aggressive behavior.
- Neoangiogenesis likely plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of squamous cell carcinoma.