Vascularization and curability of stage III and IV nasopharyngeal tumors

In a retrospective study the capillary density was determined in biopsies from 25 cases of nasopharyngeal tumor, stages III and IV. Determinations were made on stained histological sections by counting the capillaries within a standard field size and at standard magnification. A statistically significant correlation was found to exist between capillary density and eventually with chemotherapy. No correlation between survival and age or sex of the patients, or stage of tumor, was noted. It is concluded that capillary density in nasopharyngeal tumors has a predictive value.