Does signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach (SRCC) need stimulation of neoangiogenesis?

33Background: Tumor neoangiogenesis is a complex coordinated process involving various regulatory molecules. Vascular endothelial growth factors, in particular VEGF-A, are important effectors. A multipotent TGF-β1 cytokine can modulate stromal angiogenesis reactions promoting the tumor growth. Our purpose was to study the function of the system of pro-angiogenic cytokines in tissues of stomach tumors of various histological types - adenocarcinoma (AC) and signet-ring cell carcinoma (SRCC). Methods: The concentrations of VEGF-A, VEGF-R1 and TGF-β1 were studied by ELISA in tumors, peritumoral zone and resection line tissues of gastric cancer patients without preoperative therapy: 15 patients with AC (T2-4N0-2M0, G2-G3, 50-84 years) and 10 patients with SRCC, comparable by sex, age and prevalence of cancer process. Results: Levels of VEGF-A, VEGF-R1 and TGF-β1 in the resection line tissues of AC and SRCC did not differ significantly. VEGF-A in AC tumor tissues exceeded significantly the levels in the resecti...