Neoangiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx - Biological and prognostic associations

Tumor angiogenesis has been related to tumor growth and an increased probab ility of metastatic spread. Previous studies have led to conflicting views regarding the prognostic sig nificance of angiogenesis in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. To evaluate the role of tumor angiogenesis in the biology of squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, we quantified the microvascular network in 59 prim ary laryngeal carcinomas and looked for an association with outcome. Microvessels were stained immunohistochemically using antibodies for factor VIII-related antigen and the antibody JC70 (CD-31). In each case, microves sels were counted in three fields at x200 magnification, in areas of most i ntense neovascularization. We found a significantly higher number of microvessels in tumors showing de eper levels of invasion.