Angiogenesis in malignancies of the female genital tract

Citation
O. Abulafia et al., Angiogenesis in malignancies of the female genital tract, GYNECOL ONC, 72(2), 1999, pp. 220-231
Citations number
84
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Medicine
Journal title
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
ISSN journal
00908258 → ACNP
Volume
72
Issue
2
Year of publication
1999
Pages
220 - 231
Database
ISI
SICI code
0090-8258(199902)72:2<220:AIMOTF>2.0.ZU;2-5
Abstract
Objective. The purpose of this work was to review current knowledge pertain ing to angiogenesis in malignancies of the female genital tract. Methods. We identified studies published in the English language regarding angiogenesis in gynecologic malignancies, The studies were obtained from a MEDLINE search from 1966 through June 1998; additional sources were identif ied through cross-referencing. Results. A growing body of evidence confirms the ability of vulvar and cerv ical squamous cell carcinomas and endometrial and ovarian adenocarcinoma to induce angiogenesis. In vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia a correlation bet ween vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, microvessel dens ity (MVD), and progression of dysplasia has been demonstrated. In invasive vulvar carcinoma, high VEGF expression and MVD portend poor prognosis. Curr ently a debate exists regarding the ability of cervical squamous intraepith elial neoplasia to induce angiogenesis. Most studies, however; indicate ang iogenesis to he of prognostic value in patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma. The ability of complex endometrial hyperplasia to induce angiog enesis has been demonstrated. A direct correlation between angiogenesis, hi gher grade and depth of invasion in Stage I adenocarcinoma, and prognostic value in Stage I and II and recurrent disease has been noted. In ovarian ep ithelial adenocarcinoma, higher microvessel counts in the primary ovarian t umor of omental metastases may serve as a prognostic indicator for survival . Conclusions. Similar to other malignant diseases, angiogenesis appears to p lay an important role in disease progression and survival in patients with gynecologic malignancies, Preliminary data indicate angiogenesis may serve as a prognostic indicator in vulvar and cervical squamous cell carcinomas a nd endometrial and ovarian adenocarcinomas, These findings may lead to futu re application of therapeutic trials with antiangiogenic factors. (C) 1999 Academic Press.