Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in canine oral malignant melanoma.

ABSTRACT

Serum, plasma and tissue expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured in 20 dogs previously diagnosed histologically with oral melanoma. The concentrations of VEGF in serum and plasma were significantly higher in dogs with melanoma than in a control population (P VEGF in the serum and plasma of dogs with melanoma were highly correlated (r = 0.867). Ninety-five per cent of melanoma tissues expressed VEGF. Two staining patterns were detected diffuse and granular cytoplasmic staining. High blood concentrations of VEGF were correlated to a shorter survival time in dogs receiving definitive therapy (P = 0.002). Survival times were significantly longer in dogs receiving definitive therapy versus palliative therapy (median 496 versus 97 days, P = 0.007). Blood concentrations of VEGF were associated with stage (P < 0.05). Dogs with oral melanoma have increased serum, plasma and tissue concentrations of VEGF. Increased expression of VEGF may be a reasonable target for future therapy of canine oral melanoma.