Tumor Angiogenesis and Cathepsin D Expression in Benign, Borderline and Malignant Epithelial Tumors of the Ovary

Park, Il Soo; Bae, Yong Cheol

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Tumor angiogenesis and proteolysis have a role in tumor invasion and metastasis in various types of tumor. But the prognostic significance in ovarian epithelial tumors has not been established. In this study, we evaluate correlation of MVC, VEGF and Cathepsin D expression with progression in ovarian tumor.
METHODS
Formalin fixed tumor tissues from 41 cases of serous and 50 cases of mucinous tumors were analyzed for the expresssion of VEGF and Cathepsin D by immunohistochemical stain. The authors quantified microvessel counts (MVC) using monoclonal antibody for CD31. The serous tumors included 19 cases of benign, 3 cases of borderline and 19 cases of malignant tumors. The mucinous tumors included 20 cases of benign, 16 cases of borderline and 14 cases of malignant tumors.
RESULTS
MVC, VEGF and cathepsin D expression in malignant tumors were significantly higher than those in benign or borderline malignancy of both serous and mucinous tumors. One case of recurrence and another one case of death showed highly counted microvessels. But, there was no significant correlation as to FIGO stage, tumor size or patient's age. There was no correlation between VEGF expression and MVC, however significant correlation was found between expression of Cathepsin D and VEGF and MVC. These results suggest that other angiogenic factors may affect in the regulation of angiogenesis.
CONCLUSION
MVC, VEGF and Cathepsin D expression seems to be suggested as a useful indicator of progression in ovarian tumors. But, the prognostic significance cannot be fully established and additionally long-term follow up study for patient's survival rate is needed.