Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and microvessel density in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its correlation with various clinico-pathological parameters

Introduction and aim. Angiogenesis, which is accomplished by capillary sprouting, is the process by which new vessels are created from pre-existing ones. In tumor, once their initial blood supply is depleted, a tumour is unable to grow without additional blood flow. Additionally, a tumor’s microvasculature, or microvessel density (MVD), increases along with its capacity to produce angiogenesis. We aimed to observe the relationship between the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and MVD (using CD34) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and methods. The expression of VEGF and CD34 antibodies was analysed using immunohistochemistry method on 50 cases of histopathologically proved OSCC. The expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Results. A significant correlation was observed between VEGF expression and gender, LVSI. No correlation between any other factors and the difference in VEGF expression was statistically significant. Similarly, the MVD expression was not found to be statistically significant in any of the pathological parameters. Conclusion. VEGF positivity as well as MVD were found to be independent of the tumor pathology. Tumor MVD was found to be independent of the expression of VEGF. Further studies in a larger study group may establish a significant association so that antiangiogenic targeted therapy may be initiated.