A predictive role of neoangiogenesis and comparison with other prognostic factors

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Abstract
Incidental prostatic carcinoma (ICP) has good prognosis related to low stage at diagnosis. Few progressive cases demanding aggressive treatment need early identification. Neoangiogenesis proved its predictive role in prostatic carcinoma after radical prostatectomy. To reveal its value in ICP authors investigated specimens after transurethral resection of prostate (TURP). Retrospective study was performed on 68 ICP diagnosed in years 1985–1989. Microvessels highlighted by factor VIII were counted in a x200 microscope field (0,8012 mm2) in most active areas of neovascularisation. Microvessel count was correlated with tumor differentiation degree, Gleason score, disease stage, and patients’ survival in at least 9 years after diagnosis. Higher maximal microvessel counts were associated with lower degree of tumor differentiation (p=0,005), Gleason score (p = 0,001), and disease stage (0,003). No association with disease progression and patients’ survival was found. Mean microvessel counts showed less significant values when correlated with tumor differentiation degree (p=0,003) and Gleason score (p = 0,01), and no correlation with other variables. Microvessel density in TURP specimens of ICP retains its prognostic value already demonstrated in carcinoma of peripheral prostatic lobes. Maximal microvessel counts were prognostically more reliable than mean values.