Vascular endothelial growth factor in esophageal cancer

Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a crucial role in angiogenesis of many solid malignancies. The influence of angiogenesis and VEGF expression on progression and recurrence of esophageal cancer has been investigated over the last years. This article reviews the prognostic significance of VEGF expression, microvessel density (MVD), and lymphangiogenic factors in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Barrett's dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma (AC) of the esophagus, their predictive value for treatment response to chemo‐radiotherapy and new anti‐angiogenic treatment strategies. J. Surg. Oncol. 2004;87:95–104.