ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss the correlation between the VEGF-C/D expressions in tumor associated macrophage (TAM) and lymph node metastasis in colon cancer. Methods Forty-five colon cancer samples proven pathologically to be adenocarcinoma were stained by immunohistochemical method for VEGF-C/D and CD68. The correlation of VEGF-C/D expressions, macrophage counting and lymph node metastasis were analyzed statistically. Results The expressions of VEGF-C/D were detected in TAMs. VEGF-C expression was obviously higher in the samples with lymphatic metastasis. VEGF-C expression in colon cancer was related to the number of TAMs. Conclusion TAMs are important in the lymph node metastasis, because they can express VEGF-C/D and affect the lymphangiogenesis of colon cancer.