Expression of thrombospondin-1 inversely correlated with tumor vascularity and hematogenous metastasis in colon cancer
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- Published online on: July 1, 2001 https://doi.org/10.3892/or.8.4.763
- Pages: 763-766
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Abstract
Solid tumors require neovascularization for growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis depends on the local balance between various molecules that induce and inhibit neovascularization. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is thought to be an antiangiogenic factor. In this study, we examined the correlation between expression of TSP-1 and tumor vascularity, and determined its prognostic significance in colon cancer. Microvessel density, determined by immunostaining for factor VIII-related antigen, was significantly higher in tumors that were TSP-1-negative. TSP-1 expression was inversely correlated with prognosis. Patients with TSP-1-negative tumors had a significantly worse prognosis than did those with TSP-1-positive tumors. Frequency of hepatic recurrence was significantly higher in patients with tumors that were TSP-1-negative. In conclusion, TSP-1 is an important negative-regulator of tumor angiogenesis, and TSP-1 may be useful for predicting recurrence in patients with colon cancer.