Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for solid tumor growth, but there is
relatively limited data regarding Hodgkin lymphoma. The purpose of this
study was to examine the immunohistochemical expression of angiogenic
and proliferation markers in Hodgkin biopsies in relation to clinical
parameters.
Immunostaining was performed on 65 Hodgkin biopsies with vascular
endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha
(HIF-1 alpha), platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR
alpha), Ki-67, and p53. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined by CD31
staining. In all cases, neoplastic cells and reactive background cells
were evaluated.
The neoplastic population expressed VEGF in 48% of the cases, HIF-1
alpha in 54% of the cases, and PDGFR alpha in 95% of the cases. Both
Ki-67 and p53 were positive in neoplastic cells in over 60% of the
cases. The MVD had a median of 2.6/0.0625 mm(2) which was not different
from normal lymph nodes. VEGF in the non-neoplastic compartment showed
increased staining in Ann Arbor stage I-II versus III-IV.
In conclusion, VEGF, HIF-1 alpha, and predominantly PDGFRa are expressed
in neoplastic cells in the majority of Hodgkin lymphomas. As microvessel
formation is not increased in Hodgkin, additional functions of these
angiogenic molecules should be investigated. (C) 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All
rights reserved