Immunohistochemical Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor as a Prognostic Marker for Canine Mast Cell Tumors.

Abstract Strong to moderate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression may be a negative prognostic factor in canine mast cell tumors (MCTs). This study set out to determine the prognostic value of combined analysis of VEGF-A immunoreactivity, clinical presentation, patient staging and tumor histologic grade in canine MCTs. In this study, intense VEGF staining was significantly associated with decreased survival (p = 0.025). Immunohistochemical expression of VEGF is not routinely employed as a prognostic factor in canine MCT workup. However, results of this study support the inclusion of this marker in the MCT prognostic panel. Investigation of VEGF expression may assist in the development of anti-VEGF drugs.