Angiogenesis as a marker of recurrence in rectal carcinoma

Rectal cancer recurrence: factors and mechanisms

“…Only a single study has specifically looked at rectal carcinoma alone [ 92] and reported increased microvascular density with transmural tumour penetration and an adverse effect on survival in a group of patients with localized and metastatic disease. Assessment of curatively resected rectal tumours has shown a significantly increased tumour microvascular density in patients who later develop tumour recurrence [ 93]. Serum levels of angiogenic growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been reported as being predictive of tumour stage [ 94] and have been considered as potential markers for the addition of adjuvant therapy.…”