Different Angiogenic Pathways in Human Cervical Cancers

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study is to clarify the association between the expression of two types angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF)/thymidine phosphorylase(dThdPase) and clinicopathological features, including tumor angiogenesis, in cervical cancers. Methods. The expression of VEGF and PD-ECGF was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining of tumor specimens from 73 patients with stage Ib–IIb cervical cancer (51, squamous cell carcinoma; 19, adenocarcinoma; 3, adenosquamous carcinoma) who underwent radical hysterectomy. The microvessel density was assessed by immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen in the most neovascularized area. Results. The microvessel density in adenocarcinomas was significantly higher than that in squamous cell carcinomas ( P P P P P P Conclusions. The expression of VEGF appears to be involved in the promotion of angiogenesis in cervical cancers. Furthermore, we propose that angiogenic pathways may be different in different types of cervical cancers.