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The importance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiogenesis in lung cancer development is supported by a large and growing body of literature. VEGF expression has been observed in all forms of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large cell carcinoma. VEGF expression has also been correlated directly with increased microvessel counts. Notably, a recent study suggests a correlation between VEGF and nicotine, a carcinogen linked to lung cancer.
Overall, VEGF and microvessel density have been associated with poor outcomes in lung cancer. Large prospective studies are necessary to better define the relationship of prognosis to angiogenesis and VEGF.
