Lymphatic vessel density as a predictor of lymph node metastasis and its relationship with prognosis in urothelial carcinoma of the bladder

摘要: OBJECTIVE • To determine the correlation of lymphatic vessel density (LVD) with lymph node metastasis (LNM), investigate impact vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C mRNA expression on LVD, and evaluate LVD prognosis bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC). PATIENTS AND METHODS In 56 samples BUC, vessels were immunostained polyclonal antibodies against VEGF receptor 3 (VEGFR-3). was evaluated in both intratumoural peritumoural tissues. The level VEGF-C assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. other clinicopathological parameters also investigated. RESULTS VEGFR-3 expressed cytoplasm. As became higher, increased significantly (P < 0.05). At same time, presented patients invasion LNM BUC addition, predicted a poor recurrence-free survival CONCLUSIONS It is suggested that may contribute to lymphangiogenesis. Patients high tend have prognosis. Inhibition blocking VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 pathway attenuate lymphangiogenesis represent new target for investigational treatment bladder.