J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  2002 Dec;32(6):543-547.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C Expression in Primary and Metastatic Brain Tumor

• Chung JH
• Kong TS
• Kang MJ
• Lee DG
• Chung MJ

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-C is involved in lymphangiogenesis and spreading of cancer cells via lymphatic vessels. The aim of the present study is to investigate the relationship between the absence of cerebral lymphatic vessels and low metastatic rate of brain tumors.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical stains were performed for VEGF-C and VEGF in surgically resected specimens from 57 patients with primary(38 cases, low grade : 10 cases, high grade : 28 cases) and metastatic(19 cases) brain tumor.
RESULTS
The expression of VEGF-C was higher in metastatic carcinoma(68%) than in high-grade primary tumor(29%). There was no difference for VEGF expression between high grade brain tumor (71%) and metastatic carcinoma(58%).
CONCLUSION
Low VEGF-C expression of primary brain tumors may play a role in low metastatic rate of brain tumors.

Keyword

Primary brain tumor; Metastatic brain tumor; VEGF-C; VEGF

MeSH Terms

Brain Neoplasms*
Brain*
Coloring Agents
Humans
Lymphangiogenesis
Lymphatic Vessels
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C*
Coloring Agents
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C