Vascular endothelial growth factor and KIT expression in relation with microvascular density and tumor grade in supratentorial astrocytic tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between microvascular density and the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and KIT as possible markers of angiogenic stimulus in astrocytic tumors and correlate it with histopathological grading. METHODS: We enrolled 99 surgical specimens of supratentorial astrocytic tumors for analysis of VEGF and KIT and subsequent correlation with MVD and grading. RESULTS: KIT and VEGF expression correlated with microvascular density (p<0.005) and both VEGF and microvascular density correlated with grading (p<0.005). KIT had no significant relationship with grading (p=0.657). CONCLUSION: KIT and VEGF constitute important pathways in the angiogenesis of astrocytomas and therefore are promising prognostic tools and options for therapeutic intervention.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Heinke,Thaís, Espiríto Santo,Kleber Simões do, Longatto Filho,Adhemar, Stavale,João Norberto
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	English
Published:	Sociedade Brasileira para o Desenvolvimento da Pesquisa em Cirurgia 2013
Online Access:	http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0102-86502013000100008
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