Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenesis are related to the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Aim  To investigate if serum vascular endothelial growth factor (SVEGF), tissue VEGF and microvessel density (MVD) have any relation to progress and prognosis in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). Methods  SVEGF was examined using ELISA. VEGF and MVD were examined using immunohistochemical staining. Results  The median level of SVEGF was higher in GIST than in controls. A higher level of SVEGF and a positive expression rate of VEGF were obtained in diameter ≥5 cm, mitotic count ≥2/10 high power fields (HPF), recurrence and high risk groups. The MVD of experimental was higher than that of controls. A higher MVD was observed in mitotic count ≥2/10HPF and recurrence groups. The median level of SVEGF was higher in the VEGF positive group than in the controls. The SVEGF presented a relationship with MVD. Factors predicating poor prognosis were SVEGF and VEGF. Conclusions  SVEGF and VEGF show a correlation with poor prognosis of GIST.