Influence of chemoembolization on neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in bladder cancer / 中华泌尿外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the influence of transeatheter bladder arterial chemoembolization on neovascularization and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in bladder cancer treatment. Methods Thirty bladder cancer patients (Tis =1, Ta =2, T1 =6, T2 =11, T3 =9, T4 = 1; G1 = 9, G2=13, G3 = 8) were treated with transcatheter arterial chemotherapy with Mitomycin (20 mg) or Hydroxycamptothecin (10 nag) adding cisplatin (60 rag) and embolization with gelatine sponge particle gelform 1 week before surgery. Before and after the chemoembolization, the expression of VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) count in cancer tissue were examined by SP immunohistochemical staining. Tumor samples after chemoembolization were taken and sent for pathological examination. The over all survival rates were recorded and analyzed as well. Results Before and after the chemoembolization, positive rates of VEGF expression in bladder cancer tissue were 73. 3% and 43.3%, respectively and MVD were 69.8±3.4 and 56. 4±3.3, respectively. There were significant differences between the parameters before and after the treatment (P<0.05). After the intervention, tumor diameter decreased from 2.2±0.9 cm to 1.6±0. 9 cm (P<0.05) and tumor tissues were in severe necrosis and degeneration. During the follow-up of 24. 6 months (ranging from 12 to 36 months),there were 5 recurrent cases (G1 T1 =1, G2 T1=1, G2T3=1, G3T3 = 1, G3 T4 =1, primary transitional cell carcinoma= 4, admixture carcinoma= 1). In the recurrent group, VEGF expression were positive in 5 cases (100% strong positive) and 4 cases (80%, 3 positive, 1 strong positive) (P>0. 05) before and after the chemoembolization. However, it had significant difference in strong positive expression (P<0.05); MVD were 87.4±3.0 and 72.4±4.1 (P<0.05) before and after the treatment. The MVD in no recurrent group was 53.2±3. 5 after chemoembolization, and it had statistical significance comparing with the recurrent group (P<0. 05). Conclusions The chemoembolization can decrease the expression of tumor VEGF and MVD. Thus, it can adjust bladder cancer malignancy, downgrade and downstage the tumors and decrease the risk of postoperative metastasis. For the long-term, this treatment will improve the survival rate and reduce recurrence rate.