[Tumor vascularity: its possible prognostic and therapeutic value]

Three studies have been conducted in order to find out a correlation between the degree of tumor vascularization and local recurrences or the survival of patients after radiotherapy. The results have been reviewed. They show a better effect of radiotherapy in tumors with dense capillary vascularization than in tumors with poor vascularization. The prognostic value of tumor vascularization is discussed with regard to the individualization of radiotherapy, considering especially the clinical application of sensitizing substances for hypoxic cells. The conclusion is drawn that, in order to obtain another valuable diagnostic parameter, an index of vascularization should be routinely defined when establishing the histopathologic features.