Prognostic implications of peritumoral vasculature in head and neck cancer

In the current study, we used a larger sample size which incorporates multiple sub‐sites to address the role of peritumoral LVD and MVD in HNSCC metastasis and prognosis. It was found that peritumoral MVD was positively associated with metastasis, while LVD was inversely related to both metastasis and progression of HNSCC. These findings may suggest a prognostic role of both peritumoral LVD and MVD in patients with HNSCC.

Abstract

Background

There is conflicting evidence regarding the role of peritumoral lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and blood microvessel density (MVD) in the metastasis and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Existing studies are limited to one or two head and neck subsites and/or small sample sizes. A larger study incorporating multiple sub‐sites is needed to address the role of peritumoral LVD and MVD in HNSCC metastasis and prognosis.

Methods

Tissue samples from 200 HNSCC cases were stained simultaneously using immunohistochemistry (IHC) for markers of peritumoral LVD (lymphatic vessel marker D240) and MVD (blood vessel marker CD31). Of the stained slides, 166 and 167 were evaluable for LVD and MVD, respectively. The results were then correlated with clinicopathologic features and patient outcomes.

Results

Patients with metastatic disease were more likely to have high peritumoral MVD. Through multivariable analyses, MVD was not significantly related to DFS and OS, while low LVD was related to higher risk of disease progression and poor survival.

Conclusions

Peritumoral MVD was found to be positively associated with metastasis, while LVD was found to be inversely related to both metastasis and progression of HNSCC. These findings may suggest a prognostic role of both peritumoral LVD and MVD in patients with HNSCC.

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