Can metastasis and recurrence be detected with Endocan and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in thyroid papillary cancer?

Abstract

Background. Endocan is known to be associated with different type of malignancies and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to upregulate endocan expression. We purposed to determine whether the presence of disease recurrence and/or metastasis can be detected with pathological evaluation of endocan and VEGF in patients with thyroid papillary cancer. Materials and methods. This study was performed retrospectively between January 2005 and December 2015. Patients’ gender, age, also age at diagnosis, and duration of follow-up were recorded. The study group was divided into two groups comprised of patients with and without postoperative recurrence and/or metastasis. Pathological samples were treated with Anti-ESM-1 and Anti-VEGFA, staining percentage and density were evaluated. Results. A total of 59 patients (43 female and 16 male) were included. The mean age was 52.39 ± 13.75 years. Mean longest tumor diameter was found to be 21.31 ± 20.20 mm, and follow-up duration was 37.24 ± 32.68 months. Among the patients, 54.2 % had recurrence and/or metastasis, while 45.8 % did not have either. The percentage of endocan staining and density was 84.26 ± 20.32 and 2.56 ± 0.75 in the recurrence and/or metastases group, 75.56 ± 24.06 and 2.11 ± 1.02, respectively in the group without. Endocan staining and density was higher in the patients with recurrence and/or metastasis but not statistically significant (p = 0.077, p = 0.136, respectively). No significant difference was found between two groups in terms of VEGF staining and density. Conclusions. These markers might be further evaluated for determination their role in recurrence and/or metastasis of thyroid papillary carcinoma.