Tumor angiogenesis as a predictor of recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possibility of using histologic microvessel count of sections from the tumor to predict recurrence of stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. METHODS: Tumor sections from 22 patients (11 patients free of disease after 3 years and 11 patients with recurrence) were stained histoimmunochemically for factor VIII-related antigens. Vessel counting in the most active area of angiogenesis was performed by two pathologists on a x 200 microscopic field (0.739 mm2) without knowledge of the patient's' outcome. To predict recurrence, vessel count was compared with age, tumor size, tumor grade, lymph-vascular invasion, duration of follow-up, and type of therapy. RESULTS: Only high microvessel count (mean 19.9, range 7-43, versus mean 30.1, range 17-78; P < .05) and tumor size (mean 2.84 cm, range 1-4.2, versus mean 4.11 cm, range 2.2-6; P < .05) were independent factors predicting recurrence. CONCLUSION: High microvessel count in tumors may be used to predict recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

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