Is angiogenesis a prognostic factor for squamous carcinomas of the tongue and the floor of oral cavity? A morphometric investigation

SARIOĞLU S., LEBE B., Akoǧlu E., AKMAN F. B., Günbay U.

Journal of B.U.ON., vol.6, no.3, pp.301-305, 2001 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 6 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2001
  • Journal Name: Journal of B.U.ON.
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.301-305
  • Keywords: Angiogenesis, Floor of oral cavity carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, Tongue carcinoma
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the role of tumor angiogenesis in the progression and prognosis of squamous-cell carcinomas (SCC) of the tongue and the floor of the oral cavity. Materials and methods: Angiogenesis was assessed by a stereological method after immunohistochemical staining of vascular structures with factor-VIII-related antigen. Vascular surface density (VSD), maximum vascular surface density (VSDmax), microvessel number (NVES), and maximum microvessel number (NVESmax) were determined. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney-U tests were performed to compare angiogenetic parameters with differentiation, tumor stage, lymph node metastasis, extracapsular nodal spread, local recurrence, and distant metastasis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. Angiogenetic parameters were divided in 3 groups as follows: ≤ mean value of angiogenesis (MVA) - ISD=low angiogenesis, MVA±ISD=moderate angiogenesis, and values more than MVA+ISD=high angiogenesis. Results: Twenty-three tongue and 7 mouth floor primary SCCs wer analysed. NVES values were significantly increased for cases with distant metastasis (p=0.009). Disease-free survival was significantly decreased in cases with high NVES value (p=0.05). The mean survival of patients with high VSD values was shorter compared to patients with low VSD, but this difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: We conclude that for tongue and floor of the oral cavity SCC cases morphometric NVES results may be of value for predicting distant metastasis and disease-free survival, while VSD may predict survival. Still, for a reliable conclusion, series with more cases are required.