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A Matrigel-Based Tube Formation Assay to Assess the Vasculogenic Activity of Tumor Cells
Published on: September 7, 2011
Clinical significance of vasculogenic mimicry in human gliomas
Xiao-mei Liu1, Qing-ping Zhang, Yong-gao Mu
1State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-Oncology, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, 510060, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is known as non-endothelial tumor cell-lined microvascular channels in aggressive tumors. We have previously found the presence of VM in high-grade gliomas. In this study, we aimed to identify VM patterns in gliomas and to explore their clinical significance. Tumor samples as well as their detailed clinical/prognostic data were collected from 101 patients. Vasculogenic mimicry in the glioma samples was determined by dual staining for endothelial marker CD34 and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS). Tumor samples were also immunohistochemically stained for Ki-67, VEGF, COX-2 and MMP-9. The association between VM and the clinical characteristics of the patients were analyzed. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were performed to compare survival times of the patients. Vasculogenic mimicry was present in 13 out of 101 samples. The higher grade gliomas had a higher incidence of VM than that of lower grade gliomas (P = 0.006). Vasculogenic mimicry channels were associated with the expression of COX-2 and MMP-9 (P < 0.05). While there was no association between the existence of VM and the sex, age and preoperative epilepsy of the patients, or expression of Ki-67 and VEGF. However, patients with VM-positive gliomas survived a shorter period of time than those with VM negative gliomas (P = 0.027). Interestingly, in high-grade gliomas, the level of microvascular density was lower in VM positive tumors than those VM negative tumors (P = 0.039). Our results suggest that VM channels in gliomas correlate with increasing malignancy and higher aggressiveness, and may provide a complementation to the tumor's blood supply, especially in less vascularized regions, which may aid in the identification of glioma patients with a poorer prognosis.
Insights
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a non-endothelial tumor channel, is more common in high-grade gliomas and linked to poorer survival. VM channels correlate with COX-2 and MMP-9 expression, suggesting increased tumor aggressiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Neuro-oncology
Background:
- Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes tumor cell-lined channels mimicking blood vessels, observed in aggressive cancers.
- Previous research indicated VM presence in high-grade gliomas, necessitating further investigation into its patterns and clinical relevance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify vasculogenic mimicry patterns in gliomas.
- To explore the clinical significance and prognostic value of VM in glioma patients.
- To investigate the association between VM and tumor markers like COX-2 and MMP-9.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 101 glioma patient tumor samples with clinical and prognostic data.
- Dual staining for CD34 (endothelial marker) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) to identify VM.
- Immunohistochemical staining for Ki-67, VEGF, COX-2, and MMP-9.
- Statistical analysis including Kaplan-Meier survival and log-rank tests.
Main Results:
- VM was identified in 13% of glioma samples, with a higher incidence in high-grade gliomas (P = 0.006).
- VM channels correlated significantly with COX-2 and MMP-9 expression (P < 0.05).
- Patients with VM-positive gliomas exhibited significantly shorter survival times (P = 0.027) and lower microvascular density in high-grade tumors (P = 0.039).
Conclusions:
- Vasculogenic mimicry in gliomas is associated with increased malignancy and aggressiveness.
- VM may supplement tumor blood supply, particularly in poorly vascularized areas.
- The presence of VM could serve as a prognostic marker for identifying glioma patients with a poorer outlook.
