Integrin alpha(v)beta(3) expression in colon carcinoma correlates with survival

Integrin alpha (v)beta (3) is expressed by newly formed blood vessels in di seased and neoplastic tissue and can therefore be used as a marker for angi ogenesis. We investigated its expression on the vasculature of 40 colon car cinomas using the anti-alpha (v)beta (3)-specific monoclonal antibody LM609 . The average relapse-free interval and overall survival in patients suffer ing from colon carcinomas with high vascular expression of alpha (v)beta (3 ) integrin was significantly reduced compared with that in patients with lo w alpha (v)beta (3) integrin expressing tumor vasculature. Moreover, the ex pression level of alpha (v)beta (3) integrin correlated with the presence o f liver metastases. In conclusion, we propose vascular expression of alpha (v)beta (3) integrin as a prognostic indicator for colon carcinoma.