Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in primary esophageal carcinoma

Objective To study the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and biological behavior and prognosis in esophageal carcinoma. Methods ”BSurgical specimens from 84 primary esophageal carcinomas were examined for VEGF expression and microvessel density by immunohistochemical staining. ”HResults Fifty-one (60.7%) of the 84 esophageal carcinomas were positive for VEGF protein. There was a close correlation between VEGF positivity and microvessel density ( P 0.01). VEGF expression was significantly associated with advanced stage, depth of invasion and lymph node status. The patients positive for VEGF expression had higher incidence of distant metastases after surgery and poorer prognosis. Conclusion The VEGF expression is related to the aggressive behavior in esophageal carcinoma and has important prognostic significance.