Expression of p53 and vascular endothelial growth factor associated with tumor angiogenesis and prognosis in gastric cancer

Recently, it has been reported that p53 tumor suppressor gene plays an important role in controlling tumor angiogenesis by regulating expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is a well-characterized angiogenic inducer. In this study, we investigated these antigens' expression together with microvessel density, and investigated their clinical importance. One hundred twenty specimens resected from patients with gastric carcinoma were investigated using immunohistochemical methods. p53 and VEGF expression was observed in 42 and 35% tumors, respectively. p53 and VEGF staining status was coincided in 72% tumors, and a significant correlation was found between p53 and VEGF status. The microvessel density, determined by immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen, was significantly higher in p53-positive or VEGF-positive tumors. According to prognosis, patients with p53-positive tumors had significantly worse survival than those with p53-negative tumors. There was also a significant worse survival in the patients with VEGF-positive tumors than those with VEGF-negative tumors. Moreover, the 5-year survival rate was lowest in the patients with p53-positive and VEGF-positive tumors, while it was highest in the patients with p53-negative and VEGF-negative tumors. In conclusion, both p53 and VEGF significantly correlated with tumor vascularity and prognosis in patients with gastric carcinoma.