Simple Summary
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a cellular growth factor involved in angiogenesis. It has been detected in many canine neoplasms and it is recognized as a potential target for drug therapy. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF in canine mast cell tumors and their respective lymph node metastases in order to determine the concordance of this expression and the correlation with other prognostic factors and patient survival. Only 14.3% expressed VEGF both on the primary tumor and its respective metastasis, with fair agreement (Κ = 0.250). VEGF immunolabeling had no influence on survival time.
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important regulator of angiogenesis and has been identified as an autocrine growth factor for neoplastic cells of several tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate VEGF expression in canine mast cell tumors and their respective lymph node metastases. For this purpose, 28 patients with mast cell tumors and confirmed regional lymph node metastasis were selected. The samples were submitted for analysis with immunohistochemistry. VEGF was expressed in 14/28 patients (50%) and 35.7% of primary MCTs (10/28), and only 14.3% expressed VEGF in both the primary tumor and its respective metastasis (4/28), with fair agreement (Κ = 0.250). There was a weak correlation between VEGF and tumor size (p = 0.016, rs = 0.045). In this cohort, survival time was correlated with Kiupel grade, mitotic index, tumor necrosis, tumor location, and systemic treatment. VEGF immunolabeling had no influence on survival; however, patients with positive expression may benefit from specific therapy.