Morphometric angiogenesis parameters for indolent and aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

There is much evidence about importance of angiogenesis in development and progression of solid tumors. The role of angiogenesis, as an indicator of higher malignant potential in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is not clear at the moment. Morphometric characteristics of microvessels in lymph node sections, in previously untreated patients with small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (SLL/CLL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), were studied and relationship between angiogenesis and histological malignancy grade of NHL was also evaluated. Lymph node biopsies samples of 30 newly diagnosed patients with SLL/CLL (n=30) and DLBCL (n=30) were studied. All samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution and embedded in paraffin. Microvessels were visualized by immunohistochemical staining for anti F-8 antibody. In the area showing the most intense vascularization (i.e. the "hot spot"), microvessel density (MVD), total vascular area (TVA), as well as the size related parameters were estimated, by using image analysis program "analysSIS'. Number and size-related microvessels angiogenic morphometric parameters were statistically higher in group with DLBCL compared with SLL/CLL: MVD (p = 0.002), TVA (p < 0.0001), area (p < 0.0001), perimeter (p < 0.0001), minor axis length (p < 0.0001) and major axis length (p < 0.0001). It is to be noted that positive correlation existed between TVA and MVD in DLBCL and SLL/CLL. The present study supports the view that angiogenesis correlate with histological grade of NHL.