TGF-alpha, c-erbB-2 expression and neoangiogenesis in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma

TGF-alpha and c-erbB-2 are important mediators of tumor neoangiogenesis linked to the epidermal growth factor receptor. Thus, we analyzed TGF-alpha c-erbB-2 and tumor neoangiogenesis in vulvar carcinoma and determined their prognostic significance.

Seventy-five carcinomas were evaluated for histological parameters. Tumors were stained immunohistologically for TGF-alpha, c-erbB-2 and factor VIII antigen. Results were analyzed statistically by chi2-test, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank-test.

Sixty-five % of the carcinomas were positive for TGF-alpha in >50% of the tumor cells. C-erbB-2 overexpression occurred in 47% of the tumors, but there was frequently a high cytoplasmatic staining. Twenty-nine % showed high microvessel densitiy. These tumors were more likely to have vascular space involvement (p=0.02). In carcinomas with TGF-alpha expression in >50% of the tumor cells, microvessel density was increased (p=0.05). Overall and disease-free survival tended to be reduced for tumors with high TGF-alpha expression and microvessel density, but differences were not significant.

Tumor neoangiogenesis is an important event in vulvar carcinogenesis which is related to the expression of growth factors.