Relative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Background: Alternative splicing of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene results in a family of antiangiogenic isoforms (VEGFxxx b), not yet investigated in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We examined, therefore, the prognostic value of the relative expression of VEGF isoforms in SCCHN.

Methods: A tissue microarray comprising 187 SCCHNs was studied by immunohistochemistry with total VEGF (panVEGF) and VEGFxxx b-specific antibodies, and scored by 2 assessors for intensity and proportion.

Angiogenesis and melanoma - from basic science to clinical trials.

The effective management of malignant melanoma has remained centred around the surgeon. The arrival of anti-angiogenic agents as the 'fourth' cancer treatment joining the ranks of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been a source of renewed hope. This article provides an up-to-date review of the focus, state and rationale of clinical trials of anti-angiogenic therapies in metastatic malignant melanoma.

The role of vascular endothelial growth factor in wound healing.

Revascularization of damaged tissue is a necessary part of wound healing. With unregulated or insufficient vessel growth, healing is delayed or pathological. Angiogenesis is regulated by expression of a variety of vascular growth factors and modulators, the most widely expressed and critical of which is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

VEGF165b, an inhibitory vascular endothelial growth factor splice variant: mechanism of action, in vivo effect on angiogenesis and endogenous protein expression.

Growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), required for all tumor growth, is stimulated by the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is up-regulated in all known solid tumors but also in atherosclerosis, diabetic retinopathy, arthritis, and many other conditions. Conventional VEGF isoforms have been universally described as proangiogenic cytokines.