Relationship Between Expression of VEGF and Tumor Angiogenesis in Esophageal Carcinomas

Objective To evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) and its relation to angiogenesis in esophageal carcinomas.Methods The expression of VEGF was examined by immunohistochemical staining in 48 cases of esophageal cancer.Microvessel density(MVD) in the cases was determined by Factor Ⅷ immunohistochemical staining.Results VEGF expression was observable in 25 of 48 patients(52.1%).VEGF and MVD were closely related to tumor′s clinical stage.The average MVD was higher in the cases with positive expression of VEGF than that in those without expression of VEGF(P0.05).Conclusion VEGF is positively correlated with the occurrence、progression and lymphatic invasion of esophageal carcinomas,and is one of the main induction factors for angiogenesis in esophageal carcinoma.It is able to induce tumor angiogenesis and accelerate tumor growth.Quantification of VEGF in esophagus tissues may provide a valuable marker for prognosis and biological treatment of patients with esophageal carcinomas.