Expression of fibroblast growth factor binding protein in head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVES To characterize the expression of fibroblast growth factor binding protein (FGF-BP) messenger RNA (mRNA) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and to study the association of FGF-BP with vascularity. DESIGN The expression of FGF-BP mRNA in HNSCC was studied in 35 primary and 8 metastatic HNSCC specimens and 7 control tissues using in situ hybridization and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Microvessels in tumor specimens were identified with endothelial cell markers (von Willebrand factor [vWF] and CD34-specific antibodies). Correlates between FGF-BP and microvessel counts were evaluated statistically. SETTING University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics. PATIENTS Forty-two surgically treated patients with HNSCC. INTERVENTIONS The patients were routinely treated in the study hospitals and clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The expression of FGF-BP and angiogenesis in tumors were evaluated. RESULTS In situ hybridization and RT-PCR demonstrated that FGF-BP mRNA transcripts were expressed in 34 of 35 primary HNSCC specimens and 5 of 8 metastatic tumor specimens but not in adjacent control tissues. The microvessel counts in HNSCC specimens were closely related to the expression level of FGF-BP (P < .001). CONCLUSION The expression of FGF-BP is statistically linked to the angiogenesis of HNSCC, suggesting that FGF-BP participates in the angiogenesis of HNSCC.