Microvessel density as a prognostic marker in bladder carcinoma: correlation with tumor grade, stage and prognosis.

Introduction: The aim of our study was to evaluate tumor angiogenesis as a prognostic marker of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and to asses its relationship to established variables for survival and response to therapy.

Patients And Method: Microvessel density (MVD), a measure of tumor angiogenesis, were evaluated in 77 primary bladder cancers. Forty-three superficial carcinomas and 34 invasive carcinomas were analysed.