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Prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels in T1‐2 N0 laryngeal cancer treated with primary radiation therapy
Author(s) -
Parikh Rahul R.,
Yang Qifeng,
Haffty Bruce G.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/cncr.22432
Subject(s) - medicine , vascular endothelial growth factor , tissue microarray , oncology , univariate analysis , vascular endothelial growth factor c , immunohistochemistry , cancer , epidermal growth factor receptor , vascular endothelial growth factor a , pathology , multivariate analysis , vegf receptors
BACKGROUND. The purpose of this study was to assess the prognostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor protein levels in a large cohort of patients with T1‐T2 N0 laryngeal cancer treated with primary radiation therapy (XRT). METHODS. Primary tumor specimens from a cohort of 123 patients with T1‐T2 N0 laryngeal cancer treated with XRT between 1975 and 2000 were constructed into a tissue microarray. Clinical prognostic factors included age, sex, T classification, and tumor subsite. Molecular prognostic factors included vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and p53 expression, determined by using immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays. The association between vascular endothelial growth factor status, covariables, and outcome was assessed. RESULTS. With a median follow‐up of 9.9 years, 32 (26%) were diagnosed with local relapse (5‐year local relapse‐free rate, 70.4%). T2 tumor stage (31.7%) was a significant predictor of local relapse (relative risk [RR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–2.43; P <.05). Positive expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and p53 were: 8.5%, 58.7%, and 36.4%, respectively. In univariate analysis, vascular endothelial growth factor positivity was a significant predictor of overall survival (RR = 1.62; 95% CI, 0.99–2.42; P = .05). In multivariate analysis, positive vascular endothelial growth factor status maintained significant correlation with overall survival (RR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.49–4.95; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS. Vascular endothelial growth factor positivity appeared to be a significant predictor of overall survival in a multivariate model. Further evaluation of vascular endothelial growth factor‐positive laryngeal cancers treated with primary XRT is warranted. Cancer 2007;109:566–573. © 2006 American Cancer Society.