Vascular endothelial growth factor-121 mRNA expression and neomicrovessel density in primary lung cancer

The correlation between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)121 mRNA expression and microvessel density was examined in 42 cases of primary lung cancer. Microvessels in tumors were highlighted by staining endothelial cells for factor VIII, CD31, and BNH9. The microvessel density in a high VEGF121 expressing group was significantly greater than that in the low expressing group in the assessment with anti-CD31 antibody. The difference of survival stratified by the vessel density was significant in patients. with stage I disease. The results suggest a relationship between neomicrovessel density and VEGF121. VEGF121 may be a useful marker of the tumor neovascularization in lung cancer.