Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis are related to the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To investigate if serum vascular endothelial growth factor (SVEGF), tissue VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) have any relation to progress and prognosis in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). METHODS: SVEGF was examined using ELISA. VEGF and MVD were examined using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: The median level of SVEGF was higher in GIST than in controls. A higher level of SVEGF and a positive expression rate of VEGF were obtained in diameter >or=5 cm, mitotic count >or=2/10 high power fields (HPF), recurrence and high risk groups. The MVD of experimental was higher than that of controls. A higher MVD was observed in mitotic count >or=2/10HPF and recurrence groups. The median level of SVEGF was higher in the VEGF positive group than in the controls. The SVEGF presented a relationship with MVD. Factors predicating poor prognosis were SVEGF and VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: SVEGF and VEGF show a correlation with poor prognosis of GIST.