Expression of the extra domain B of fibronectin, a marker of angiogenesis, in head and neck tumors.

Objectives/hypothesis: The extra domain B (ED-B) of fibronectin, a naturally occurring marker of tissue remodeling and angiogenesis, is expressed in the majority of aggressive solid human tumors, whereas it is not detectable in normal vessels and tissues.

Study Design: In view of the diagnostic and therapeutic clinical applications of the L19 antibody, which is specific for the ED-B domain of fibronectin, a prospective immunohistochemical analysis of different head and neck tumors was performed.

Methods: In all, 82 head and neck tissue biopsy specimens were immunohistochemically analyzed using the L19 antibody.