Evaluation of VEGF, VEGFR 1-2-3 and Endocan/ESM-1 Expression in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Correlation with Ki-67 Labeling and Prognosis

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Introduction: Angiogenesis is recognized to play a critical role in progressive tumor growth and spreading and its inhibition is a valuable approach to cancer treatment. Markers of angiogenesis include assessment of microvessel density on tissue sections (often evaluated with antibodies against pan-endothelial antigens, such as CD34) and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (VEGFR 1-2-3). Endocan, also called endothelial cell specific molecule-1 (ESM-1), has been shown to be expressed by endothelial tumor cells and especially by tip cells during angiogenesis. Endocan is highly up-regulated by pro-angiogenic molecules, such as VEGF. Recently, Endocan has been identified to be one of the molecules involved in the switch from dormant to fast-growing tumors. Among endocrine tumors, Endocan expression has been evaluated only in pituitary adenomas: a positive association between endothelial Endocan expression and recurrence risk, tumor size, tumoral invasion and average mitosis count has been demonstrated. In contrast, there was no association between endothelial Endocan expression and the Ki-67 labeling index

Aim(s):

Materials and methods: Assessment of immunohistochemical VEGF, VEGFR 1-2-3 and Endocan expression in a series of GEP NETs and comparison of these markers with clinical features, Ki-67 labeling, TNM staging and PFS to assess their prognostic value.

Conference: 10th Annual ENETSConcerence (2013)

Presenting Author:

Authors: Lugli F, Iacovazzo D, Fusco A, Lanza P, Rindi G,

Keywords: endocan, angiogenesis, vegf,