Abstract

Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the progression of solid tumors, including cervical cancers. The mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis in uterine cervical neoplasia are not well defined. To determine the relationship between angiogenesis and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the cervical neoplasia, the author studied 63 cases of the cervical neoplasia diagnosed between the years 1993 to 1997 at Pusan National University Hospital. The expression of VEGF was semiquantitatively analyzed in paraffin sections by immunohistochemical method. Histologic sections immunostained for factor VIII-related antigen were evaluated for microvessel density. Increased expression of VEGF and microvessel counts was significantly correlated with depth of invasion. Increased microvessel counts were also significantly associated with increased VEGF expression. These results suggest that VEGF is an important angiogenic factor and associated with progression of the cervical neoplasia.

• Keywords: VEGF;Angiogenesis;Uterine cervical cancer