Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor receptors in lung cancer

OBJECTIVE: To determine the expression of two angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor receptors (FG FR), in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in relation to tumor stage (T NO, TN1, TN2) and in association with the expression of p53 protein, a pote ntial suppressor of tumor angiogenesis. STUDY DESIGN: The immunohistochemical (IHC) expression gf VEGF and FGFR was examined in paraffin sections of 56 NSCLC in relation to the presence of l ymph node metastases and p53 expression. Nodal status of NSCLC determined: 27 tumors, NO; 16, N1; and 13, N2 stage. Semiquantitative analysis with a s core corresponding to IHC staining intensity and percentage of positive cel ls was used. Statistical analysis was per formed with the chi(2) test. RESULTS: A significant association was noted between. VEGF and FGFR express ion in NSCLC. No relation was found between VEGF, FGFR expression and lymph node metastasis or p53 expression. CONCLUSION: We assume that VEGF and FGFR act in a synergistic manner in NSC LC and that their expression is not related to lymph none metastases. Angio genesis is a very complex phenomenon and heterogeneous within tumors. Also, it is affected by microevnironmental factors.