Blood Vessel Density and Chemotherapy Effects in Oral Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Takagi S, Inenaga R, Oya R, Nakamura S, Ikemura K
Primary Institution: University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
Hypothesis
The concentration of anticancer drug in a tumour may be associated with the blood vessel density (BVD) in the tumour.
Conclusion
Blood vessel density is a valid predictor of the effects of targeted carboplatin chemotherapy and concurrent radiotherapy for treating human oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.
Supporting Evidence
- Increased blood vessel density was associated with a higher free platinum concentration in the tumor region in the intra-arterial group of rabbits.
- The median blood vessel density in the tumor region of rabbits was 13 counts per field.
- The 5-year disease-specific survival rate for patients in the low blood vessel density group was 14%, compared to 83% in the high blood vessel density group.
Takeaway
This study found that the more blood vessels there are in a tumor, the better the chemotherapy works.
Methodology
The study involved an experimental study with rabbits and a clinical study with patients, measuring blood vessel density and free platinum concentrations.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in estimating BVD due to the selection of specific tumor regions for analysis.
Limitations
The study may have biased the estimation of BVD due to the selection of biopsy specimens from the 'hot spot' of angiogenesis.
Participant Demographics
The median age of patients was 67 years, with 6 women and 13 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.0105
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 2.216–406.083
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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