Prognostic value of microvessel density in XXXX : a tissue microarray study.

@entity1 @entity263 @entity146 @entity5 @entity10226 @entity2279
PURPOSE: Angiogenesis is an important part in @entity5 progression and intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) has proven a prognostic factor in several solid @entity5 . However, its value in @entity263 is still unclear, especially in small biopsy samples. We evaluated the prognostic potential of MVD in a large, homogeneous @entity263 and its correlation with other pathologic parameters. METHODS: We used a tissue microarray ( @entity10226 ) containing samples of 3,261 prostatectomy specimens from @entity1 with @entity263 . MVD was determined by counting vessels in a blinded fashion after immunohistochemical staining with an antibody against @entity2279 . The results were compared with pre- and postoperative clinical and pathological parameters and clinical follow-up data. RESULTS: MVD was higher in @entity10226 spots containing @entity5 as compared to benign tissue (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of MVD with preoperative parameters, but with pathological T-classification and Gleason score (P < 0.001, each) of the prostatectomy specimens. Furthermore, a higher MVD correlated with @entity5 location in the peripheral zone (P = 0.01). Follow-up data were available for 1,521 @entity1 . In a univariable analysis, an MVD of >=  36 per spot was a significant predictor of PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy (P = 0.03). However, it failed to provide an independent prognostic factor when combined with standard predictors in a multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MVD in @entity263 is closely related to other factors contributing to @entity146 . However, the implementation of this parameter into routinely performed pathological reports does not seem to be warranted.
