Comparison of microvessel density using nestin and CD34 in colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the prognostic value of nestin-positive microvessel density (nestin+ MVD) to the CD34-positive (CD34+) MVD in patients with colorectal cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 cases of colorectal cancer were used for the study. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed on paraffin sections using anti-nestin and anti-CD34. The average MVD was determined for both markers and was referenced to patients' clinicopathological data. Results: A strong positive correlation was found between the MVDs for both analyzed antigens. Contrary to CD34+ MVD, a positive trend was observed between high nestin+ MVD and lymph node invasion. Moreover, significantly higher nestin+ MVD was noted in patients with more advanced clinical stage than in those with early-stage cancer. No such correlation was found for CD34 antigen. Additionally, a possible trend between the higher nestin+ MVD and shorter event-free survival was noted, whereas no such relation was observed for CD34+ MVD. Conclusion: The results suggest that nestin might be a reliable marker for angiogenesis evaluation in patients with colorectal cancer. In contrast to CD34, the expression of nestin in blood vessels seems to be a more sensitive marker of cancer progression.