Angiogenesis and Prognosis in Malignant Mesothelioma
Author Information
Author(s): Edwards J G, Cox G, Andi A, Jones J L, Walker R A, Waller D A, O'Byrne K J
Primary Institution: University Department of Medical Oncology, Leicester Royal Infirmary
Hypothesis
The clinical relevance of angiogenesis, as assessed by microvessel density (MVD), is unclear in malignant mesothelioma.
Conclusion
Increasing microvessel density is a poor prognostic factor in malignant mesothelioma, independent of other clinical variables.
Supporting Evidence
- Overall median survival from the date of diagnosis was 5.0 months.
- Increasing MVD was a poor prognostic factor in univariate analysis.
- Independent indicators of poor prognosis included non-epithelial cell type and performance status > 0.
Takeaway
This study found that more blood vessels in tumors can mean a worse outcome for patients with a type of lung cancer called malignant mesothelioma.
Methodology
Immunohistochemistry was performed on 104 archival, paraffin-embedded, surgically resected MM samples to assess microvessel density.
Limitations
The study only included archival samples and may not represent all cases of malignant mesothelioma.
Participant Demographics
Patients with malignant mesothelioma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P = 0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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