PURPOSE: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the Indian population exhibits insidious symptomatology, late clinical presentation, aggressive behavior, and high propensity for metastasis. Ets-1, a transcription factor, is expressed in esophageal tumors and associated with poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between Ets-1 expression, tumor angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD)] and the biological behavior of ESCCs. METHODS: In a prospective study the expression of Ets-1, VEGF, and PECAM-1 (CD-31) was determined in 55 ESCCs, by immunohistochemical analysis, correlated with clinicopathological parameters and outcome of the patients. RESULTS: Overexpression of Ets-1 and VEGF proteins was observed in 44/55 (80%) and 38/55 (69%) of ESCCs, respectively. VEGF immunopositivity was associated with lymph node metastasis ( P=0.002). Analysis of mRNA isoforms using RT-PCR revealed increased expression of VEGF 121 transcripts in ESCCs and MVD was correlated with de-differentiation status of the tumors ( P=0.049). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant correlation between poor disease-free survival and tumor stage ( P=0.02) and with nodal metastasis ( P=0.05). Concomitant expression of VEGF, Ets-1 proteins, and high MVD was correlated with poor disease-free survival ( P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Significant association of Ets-1 and VEGF proteins with tumor angiogenesis (MVD), lymph node invasion, and poor disease-free survival underscores their relevance regarding aggressive tumor behavior and highlights their potential utility as adverse prognostic factors in esophageal carcinomas.
PURPOSE:Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the Indian population exhibits insidious symptomatology, late clinical presentation, aggressive behavior, and high propensity for metastasis. Ets-1, a transcription factor, is expressed in esophageal tumors and associated with poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between Ets-1 expression, tumor angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD)] and the biological behavior of ESCCs. METHODS: In a prospective study the expression of Ets-1, VEGF, and PECAM-1 (CD-31) was determined in 55 ESCCs, by immunohistochemical analysis, correlated with clinicopathological parameters and outcome of the patients. RESULTS: Overexpression of Ets-1 and VEGF proteins was observed in 44/55 (80%) and 38/55 (69%) of ESCCs, respectively. VEGF immunopositivity was associated with lymph node metastasis ( P=0.002). Analysis of mRNA isoforms using RT-PCR revealed increased expression of VEGF 121 transcripts in ESCCs and MVD was correlated with de-differentiation status of the tumors ( P=0.049). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant correlation between poor disease-free survival and tumor stage ( P=0.02) and with nodal metastasis ( P=0.05). Concomitant expression of VEGF, Ets-1 proteins, and high MVD was correlated with poor disease-free survival ( P=0.004). CONCLUSION: Significant association of Ets-1 and VEGF proteins with tumor angiogenesis (MVD), lymph node invasion, and poor disease-free survival underscores their relevance regarding aggressive tumor behavior and highlights their potential utility as adverse prognostic factors in esophageal carcinomas.
Authors: I Bolon; V Gouyer; M Devouassoux; B Vandenbunder; N Wernert; D Moro; C Brambilla; E Brambilla Journal: Am J Pathol Date: 1995-11 Impact factor: 4.307
Authors: Marc R McClelland; Shannon L Carskadon; Liujian Zhao; Eric S White; David G Beer; Mark B Orringer; Allan Pickens; Andrew C Chang; Douglas A Arenberg Journal: Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol Date: 2006-11-01 Impact factor: 6.914