Correlation of postoperative survival and angiogenic growth factors in pancreatic carcinoma

Background/Aims: VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and EGF (epiderm al growth factor) are promoters of angiogenesis. It was the aim of this stu dy to investigate a possible coexpression of both growth factors in tumor s amples of pancreatic cancer patients in relation to survival after resectio n of the tumor. Methodology: We investigated the expression of VEGF(165) and EGF in tumor s pecimen from 19 patients that underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Growth fac tor expression was determined using immimohistochemical methods. Results: Coexpression of VEGF(165) and EGF was observed in tumor samples of 9 (47%) patients. VEGF(165) and EGF expression in the same tumor correlate s significantly (P <0.05, Fisher-test). UICC stage III pancreatic carcinoma patients with VEGF(165) negative tumor cells had a significantly better ou tcome after surgery compared to UICC stage III patients with VEGF(165)-posi tive tumor cells (median survival time 19 months vs. 9 months respectively; P <0.05, Wilcoxon-test). Conclusions: Antiangiogenic therapy after surgery for pancreatic cancer may be beneficial, especially for UICC III patients.