Expression of VEGF-A in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Correlation with Morphologic Types, Grade and Clinical Stage.

ABSTRACT

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression pattern of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A) in epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) and to correlate the intensity of expression with morphologic types, histologic grade and clinical stage of the disease. METHODS: Tissue microarrays were constructed from paraffin blocks of 78 cases of EOC in duplicate. Immunohistochemical staining for VEGF A was carried out with mouse monoclonal antibody and the intensity was scored independently by two pathologists (CSP and MA). RESULTS: Twenty six of 78 (33.3%) cases of primary malignant epithelial ovarian neoplasm showed high VEGF A expression. Among high expressors, 23 were seen in serous carcinomas, two in undifferentiated carcinomas and one in mixed carcinoma. High expression was not seen in other types like, endometrioid, mucinous and clear cell carcinomas. High VEGF-A expression was also associated high grade and advanced stage of the disease. CONCLUSION: High VEGF-A expression in epithelial ovarian cancer was found to be associated with serous morphology, high grade and advanced stage of the disease. Though some degree of VEGF A expression was seen in most ovarian carcinomas, high expression was seen in only one third of cases and this may help in selecting the patients for targeted therapy with antiangiogenic agents.