Abstract A01: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and its effects on tumor cell growth

Abstract

Abstract Objective: VEGF plays an important role in tumor growth, development and progression by promoting angiogenesis. However its role in oral carcinogenesis is not established. In the present study we investigated serum and tissue expression of VEGF in oral cancer patients and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters; as well as with tumor cell proliferation using OSCC cell lines. Materials and Methods: Cell and tissue expression of VEGF was determined by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assay while serum level of VEGF was determined by ELISA. Tumor cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Results: VEGF mRNA in tissue was significantly upregulated in tumor area compared to normal area of the same specimen as observed by qRT-PCR (R=7.28±1.40; p= 0.029) and western blot assay (p=0.0345). Significantly higher expression of VEGF was observed in sera of oral cancer patients (p<0.0001) as compared to normal controls. Serum VEGF levels further showed positive correlation with clinical stage and lymph node involvement. In ROC analysis serum VEGF level distinguished between patients and normals with a higher sensitivity and specificity of 65.71% and 66.67% respectively. OSCC cell lines showed higher expression of VEGF and significantly higher proliferation in response to exogenous VEGF in in vitro assay. Conclusion: Result of the present study indicates a significant role of VEGF in development, establishment and distant spread of oral cancer, besides tumor cell proliferation. Hence serum level of VEGF may be useful for diagnostic and prognostic purposes as well as potential target for development of chemopreventive agents for oral cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Sadhna Aggarwal, Satya N. Das, Suresh C. Sharma, K Devaraja. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and its effects on tumor cell growth. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Tumor Angiogenesis and Vascular Normalization: Bench to Bedside to Biomarkers; Mar 5-8, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2015;14(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A01.