Relative expression of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

ABSTRACT Background Alternative splicing of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene results in a family of antiangiogenic isoforms (VEGFxxxb), not yet investigated in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). We examined, therefore, the prognostic value of the relative expression of VEGF isoforms in SCCHN. Methods A tissue microarray comprising 187 SCCHNs was studied by immunohistochemistry with total VEGF (panVEGF) and VEGFxxxb‐specific antibodies, and scored by 2 assessors for intensity and proportion. Scores were combined and expression ratios calculated. Results No meaningful significant differences were observed between panVEGF, VEGFxxxb, or expression ratio, and presence of lymphatic metastasis, or overall survival. This held true when tumor subsites were analyzed independently and when human papillomavirus (HPV) was accounted for in the oropharyngeal subgroup. Conclusion Differential VEGF isoform expression is not a reliable prognostic biomarker for either the clinically node negative/pathologically node‐positive neck or overall survival in pharyngeal and laryngeal SCCHNs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 775–781, 2016