ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the role of vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptors in the formation of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic metastasis in gastric cancer. Methods By the domestic and overseas literatures review,the expressions of VEGF-C and its receptors in gastric cancer,their role in tumor lymphatic metastasis and prospect in treatment of gastric cancer were summarized. Results There was a significant correlation between VEGF-C and its receptors and the formation of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic metastasis in gastric cancer. VEGF-C high expression might be an early event in lymphatic metastasis and could be considered as an independent predictive factor of lymphaticmicrometastasis. By inhibition of gastric cancer cell from secrete VEGF-C or blockage of the interaction of VEGF-C with VEGFR-3,it was possible to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and the invasion and distant spread of cancer cells,thereby decreased mortality and improve survival. Conclusion VEGF-C and its receptors may promote the formation of lymphatic vessels and lymphatic metastasis in gastric cancer. It may be an effective way to gastric cancer for the treatments against VEGF-C and its receptors.