Expression of cell-associated isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor 189 and its prognostic relevance in non-small cell lung cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has four isoforms (VEGF121, VEGF165, VEGF189, VEGF206). We examined the expression patterns of VEGF isoforms in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by RT-PCR. The cell-associated isoform VEGF189 was more frequently expressed in NSCLC (90.5%) than in extraneoplastic lung tissue (57.6%, p=0.00004). Immunohistochemical examination confirmed VEGF protein expression in 33 of 76 NSCLC expressing VEGF189 (V189p+ group). The V189p+ group showed significantly poorer prognosis than those without VEGF189 mRNA and protein (V189p- group, p=0.01722). These results suggest that expression of the cell-associated isoform VEGF189 is closely associated with progression of NSCLC.