Laryngeal carcinoma recurrence rate and disease-free interval are related to CD105 expression but not to vascular endothelial growth factor 2 (Flk-1/Kdr) expression.

BACKGROUND: Tumour angiogenesis is the result of an inbalance between anti- and pro-angiogenic factors. CD105 (endoglin) is a component of the receptor complex of transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2 or Flk-1/KDR) belongs to the high-affinity VEGF receptors. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression, cellular localization and role of CD105 and VEGFR2 in laryngeal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sections of 62 laryngeal carcinomas were stained with CD105 and VEGFR2/Flk-1/KDR antibodies. RESULTS: A significant association between CD105 expression and locoregional recurrence was found (p = 0.009). Interestingly, in N0 patients CD105 expression was significantly associated with locoregional recurrence of the carcinoma (p = 0.03). The log-rank test showed a significant difference in the disease-free interval in patients stratified according to CD105 expression (p = 0.02). Statistical analysis showed no significant associations between vessel endothelial cell or laryngeal carcinoma cell VEGFR2 expressions and recurrence of disease or disease-free intervals. CONCLUSION: CD105 expression but not VEGFR2 expression correlated with carcinoma recurrence after treatment and shorter disease free interval. The CD105 expression may be useful to detect cervical node-negative patients with a higher risk of early laryngeal carcinoma recurrence.