Lymphangiogenetic role in lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer and its influnce to prognosis

Objective To explore the role of lymphangiogenesis in lymph node metastasis of rectal cancer and the influnce to prognosis.Methods Immunohistochemistry((S-P) method) was used to mark lymphatic endothelial cells and toevaluate lymphatic vessel density(LVD).The expression of VEGF-C and its receptor VEGFR-3 in 63 cases of tumor tissues and 63 nomal mucosa were detected,respectively.Results Staining of lymphatic endothelial cells was strong and distinct.LVD in peritumoral area(LVDpt)was significantly higher than in intratumoral area(LVDit) and nomal mucosa,but there was no significant difference between the two latters.High LVDpt was related to the expressions of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3,lymph node metastasis and low 5-year survival rate.Conclusions Lymphangiogenesis appears in tumor tissues of rectal cancer but mostly in peritumoral area.Lymphangiogenesis not only plays an essential role in lymph node metastasis but also has a significant correlation with prognosis of rectal cancer.