RESUMO
Objective To evaluate the expression of vascular endothelial factor ( VEGF) -D in predicting the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Methods Between Jan 1996 and Jan 1998, 69 patients with CRC undergoing curative surgery were included in this study. Postoperative follow-up included physical examination, serum CEA, and imaging every 3 months in the first and the second year, every 6 months in the third year and once a year thereafter. The expression of VEGF-D protein and microvessel density ( MVD ) in 69 tissues of CRC and 20 normal colorectal tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results of IHC staining were quantified by Axioplan 2 imaging analysis system. Results VEGF-D protein expression in the cytoplasm was found in all of the CRC tissues and 25% (5/20 ) of normal tissues. The VEGF-D expression was much higher in tumor tissue than in the corresponding normal tissue (P