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Increased microvessel density
has been described in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and is
related to patient prognosis. The factors responsible for the angiogenesis
have not been identified. Vascular permeability factor (VPF), also known
as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a multifunctional angiogenic
cytokine expressed at high levels in many tumors. We examined 16 cases of
squamous cell carcinoma, 10 cases of high-grade squamous dysplasia, and
19 cases of normal, reactive, or mildly dysplastic squamous mucosa by in
situ hybridization for expression of VPF/VEGF and VPF/VEGF receptor mRNA.
Strong expression of VPF/VEGF mRNA was seen in 12 of 16 squamous cell carcinomas
and in 5 of 10 high-grade squamous dysplasias. In contrast, no cases of
normal, reactive, or mild dysplastic squamous epithelium showed strong expression
of VPF/VEGF mRNA. Furthermore, strong expression of VPF/VEGF receptor mRNA
was seen in 5 of 9 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 3 of 6 cases of
high-grade squamous dysplasia but in only 2 of 14 cases of normal, reactive,
or mild dysplastic squamous epithelium. Thus, expression of VPF/VEGF and
its receptors is markedly increased in high-grade squamous dysplasia and
invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and larynx and may play
an important role in the angiogenesis associated with these lesions. |
