Expression and Prognostic Value of VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, VEGFR3, and E-Cadherin in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sanz del Pozo, Mónica (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Gimeno Pelegrín, Joaquín (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rodriguez Muñoz, Nebay ; Utrilla Berberana, Diana ; Bascuas Hernandez, Javier ; López del Val, Alejandro ; Gómez Barrera, Manuel ; Azúa Romeo, Javier ; Capapé Poves, Victoria (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Borque Fernando, Ángel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sánchez Zalabardo, José Manuel ; Sáez Gutiérrez, Berta

Resumen: Purpose: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common histological subtype of renal carcinoma, accounting for 75%–80% of cases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes angiogenesis via its membrane receptors (VEGFRs), and E-cadherin, which decreases in expression during invasion and metastasis, are both implicated in ccRCC pathogenesis. We analyzed the relationship between these proteins and ccRCC lesions to assess their usefulness as prognostic markers.Materials and Methods: Renal tumor tissue samples from nephrectomies of 69 patients were analyzed using immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate the expression of the aforementioned proteins. These findings were then compared with established prognostic scales. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics ver. 29.0.1.0.Results: VEGF intensity was significantly correlated with tumor size (T; p=0.002), stage (p<0.001), and metastasis (M; p=0.049) according to the TNM classification. VEGFR3 expression correlated positively with tumor size (T; p=0.046) and stage (p=0.040). E-cadherin expression correlated negatively with tumor size (p=0.047). In relation to prognostic scales, VEGF expression correlated with the UCLA Integrated Staging System score (p=0.009), while E-cadherin correlated with the stage, size, grade and necrosis (SSIGN) score (p=0.044). For both overall and disease-free survival, significant differences were observed between the moderate (2++) and intense (3+++) VEGFR3 intensity groups (p=0.009 for both).Conclusion: VEGF may have prognostic value due to its association with tumor size, stage, metastasis, and the UCLA Integrated Staging System score. Similarly, VEGFR3 shows prognostic potential based on its correlations with tumor size, stage, and its relation to overall and disease-free survival. E-cadherin also demonstrates prognostic significance through its association with tumor size and the SSIGN score.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.22465/juo.255000080004

Año: 2025

Publicado en: Journal of Urologic Oncology 23, 2 (2025), 132-139
ISSN: 2951-603X

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Area Medicina (Dpto. Medicina, Psiqu. y Derm.)
Área (Departamento): Área Urología (Dpto. Cirugía)