Molecular biological research of growth factors on pediatric solid tumors

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Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression and location of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor Flk-1 in neuroblastoma in order to elucidate the effect of VEGF in the progression of neuroblastoma.Materials and Methods : Twenty neuroblastomas were enrolled in this study. Thirteen were in advanced stage, and 7 were in early stage. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-VEGF, and anti-Flk-1 monoclonal antibody. Proliferative activity of the tumor was evaluated by expression of Ki-67. Relation between VEGF, Flk-1 expression and proliferation activity, stage, and metastasis was evaluated.Results : VEGF and Flk-1 expressed in the cytoplasm of neuroblastoma cells and endothelium. Their expression was significantly higher in the advanced stage than in the early stage. There was no significant relation between VEGF or Flk-1 expression and tumor proliferation. VEGF and Flk-1 expression had no relation with local invasion, whereas there was significant relation between VEGF, Flk-1 expression and lymphnode metastasis, and bone metastasis.Conclusions : These results indicates that VEGF may play an important role in the progression of neuroblastoma, especially in tumor metastasis. Anti-vascularization agent may be effective in the advanced neuroblastoma.