The distribution and significance of microlymphatic vesseles in pancreatic cancer

Objective To investigate the relationship of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and their MLVD,lymph node metastasis in pancreatic cancer,and to explain the mechanism and significance of the cancerous peripheral tissue lymphatic vesseles.Methods The expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D,MLVD was assayed in and around cancerous tissue by means of immunohistochemistry in 30 pancreatic carcinomas.Results The positive rates of VEGF-C,VEGF-D were 73%(22/30),57%(17/30) respectively in pancreatic cancer.The expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D around cancerous invasive edge was significantely higher than that in the center of cancerous tissues.The MLVD and positive lymph node metastasis in positive VEGF-C or VEGF-D group were higher than that in the negative group. Conclusions The expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D around cancerous invasive edge was significantely higher than that in the center of cancerous tissue.There was a positive relationship between the expression of VEGF-C,VEGF-D and their MLVD,lymph node metastasis.VEGF-C and VEGF-D induced lymphangiogenisis in pancreatic cancer,promoted the tumor cell lymph metastasis.