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Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)
Published on: December 19, 2019
Radiogenic lymphangiogenesis in the skin
Susanne Jackowski1, Matthias Janusch, Eckhard Fiedler
1Department of Dermatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
The American Journal of Pathology
|June 27, 2007
Summary
Radiotherapy can cause new lymphatic vessel growth (lymphangiogenesis) in skin, primarily small vessels, within a year. This may be driven by macrophage-produced vascular endothelial growth factor-C.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment.
- Understanding microvascular changes post-radiotherapy is crucial for managing side effects and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the time course of microvascular changes in irradiated human skin.
- To identify potential mechanisms driving radiogenic lymphangiogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Biopsies from irradiated and non-irradiated skin of breast cancer and melanoma patients.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of lymphatic microvessel density (podoplanin+), macrophages (CD68+), and VEGF-C.
- Analysis at different time points post-radiotherapy (2-8 weeks, 11-14 months, 17+ months).
Main Results:
- Increased lymphatic microvessel density, particularly small vessels (<10 microm), observed around 1 year post-radiotherapy.
- Elevated numbers of CD68+ macrophages and vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C)+ cells in irradiated skin at 2-8 weeks.
- Correlation between VEGF-C expression by macrophages and radiogenic lymphangiogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Radiogenic lymphangiogenesis occurs within the first year after radiotherapy.
- VEGF-C produced by macrophages may be a key factor in inducing this new lymphatic vessel formation.
- Findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for managing radiation-induced tissue changes.
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