TUMOR ANGIOGENESIS AS A PREDICTOR OF RECURRENCE IN STAGE IB SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE CERVIX

Objective: To explore the possibility of using histologic microvessel count of sections from the tumor to predict recurrence of stage Ib squ amous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Methods: Tumor sections from 22 pa tients (11 patients free of disease after 3 years and 11 patients with recurrence) were stained histoimmunochemically for factor VIII-relate d antigens. Vessel counting in the most active area of angiogenesis wa s performed by two pathologists on a x 200 microscopic field (0.739 mm (2)) without knowledge of the patients' outcome. To predict recurrence , vessel count was compared with age, tumor size, tumor grade, lymph-v ascular invasion, duration of follow-up, and type of therapy. Results: Only high microvessel count (mean 19.9, range 7-43, versus mean 30.1, range 17-78; P < .05) and tumor size (mean 2.84 cm, range 1-4.2, vers us mean 4.11 cm, range 2.2-6; P < .05) were independent factors predic ting recurrence.Conclusion: High microvessel count in tumors may be us ed to predict recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the ce rvix.