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Prognostic value of microvascular density in dukes a and B (t1-t4, n0, m0) colorectal carcinomas
Rafael Uribarrena A1, Javier Ortego, Javier Fuentes
1Digestive Service, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain. uribarrenaa@hotmail.com
Insights
Tumor microvascular density (MVD) in colorectal cancer (CRC) can predict patient outcomes. A higher percentage of vascular area in tumors is linked to a better prognosis for CRC patients, indicating MVD
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence affects approximately 30% of patients with favorable prognoses.
- Identifying prognostic factors is crucial for improving CRC patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if tumor microvascular density (MVD) serves as a prognostic factor in colorectal cancer (CRC).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of tumor samples from 104 Dukes A-B CRC patients.
- Immunohistochemistry using anti-CD34 antibody to assess tumor vascularization.
- Quantification of MVD by vessel count and microvascular area percentage using morphometry software.
Main Results:
- Mean vessel count was 37.37/200x field; mean vascular area was 3.972%.
- Vessel count did not significantly correlate with recurrence or death.
- A higher vascular area percentage (≥4%) was significantly associated with a lower rate of death (14%) compared to lower vascular area (<4%, 35%).
Conclusions:
- MVD, measured by vessel count, is not a significant prognostic factor for CRC evolution.
- However, a greater microvascular area percentage in colorectal tumors is linked to a better patient outcome.
Background:
Aproximatelly 30% of patients operated on for colorectal cancer (CRC), with an expectedly favourable prognosis (Dukes A-B/T1-T4, N0, M0) suffer recurrence and/or die.
Method:
In order to determine if tumor microvascular density (MVD) is a prognostic factor in CRC, samples from tumors of 104 Dukes A-B CRC patients were retrospectively studied. Immunohistochemistry was performed for anti-CD34 antibody to visualize tumor vascularisation. MVD was expressed as the total number of vessels and as the percentage of microvascular area. We calculated MVD with a morphometry program and performed descriptive, bivariate, and survival statistics.
Results:
The mean number of vessels was 37.37/200x field, and the mean vascular area was the 3.972%. 30% of the patients with < 37 vessels/field, and 21% of the patients with > 37 vessels/field, experienced recurrence/death. The 35% of patients with < 4% of vascular area died following recurrence, compared with 14% of patients with > or =4% of vascular area. These differences in % of vascular area were statistically significant.
Conclusion:
MVD expressed as the total number of vessels had no a statistically significant influence on the evolution of CRC. However, neoplasias with a greater % of vascular were associated to a better outcome.
