Tumor angiogenesis as a predictor of recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

To explore the possibility of using histologic microvessel count of sections from the tumor to predict recurrence of stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Tumor sections from 22 patients (11 patients free of disease after 3 years and 11 patients with recurrence) were stained histoimmunochemically for factor VIII-related antigens. Vessel counting in the most active area of angiogenesis was performed by two pathologists on a x 200 microscopic field (0.739 mm2) without knowledge of the patients' outcome. To predict recurrence, vessel count was compared with age, tumor size, tumor grade, lymph-vascular invasion, duration of follow-up, and type of therapy. Only high microvessel count (mean 19.9, range 7–43, versus mean 30.1, range 17–78; P < .05) and tumor size (mean 2.84 cm, range 1–4.2, versus mean 4.11 cm, range 2.2–6; P < .05) were independent factors predicting recurrence. High microvessel count in tumors may be used to predict recurrence in stage Ib squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.