Growth index is independent of microvessel density in non-small-cell lung carcinomas.

Induction of angiogenesis is essential for carcinogenesis and facilitates the processes of tumor development and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an important angiogenic regulator under physiologic and pathologic conditions. To elucidate the role of angiogenesis in malignant growth, we evaluated angiogenesis and VEGF expression in a panel of 68 non-small-cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) and examined their relation with the kinetic parameters, ploidy, and p53 protein status, which have been analyzed previously.