Neoplastic cells growing under hypoxic conditions exhibit a more aggressive phenotype by activating a cascade of molecular
events partly mediated by hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The
roles of these markers have been studied previously in several cancer lines. We ascertained the frequency of HIF-1α expression,
VEGF expression, the degree of neovascularization, and cell proliferation in osteosarcoma samples. Samples from osteosarcoma
patients were assessed for HIF-1α and VEGF protein expression using immunohistochemistry, neovascularization using antibodies
for Factor VIII, and cell proliferation using the Ki-67 labeling index. Associations between these parameters and clinical
features were examined. HIF-1α staining was positive in 35% of patients and metastases were present in 61% of these HIF-1α-positive
patients. VEGF protein expression was detected in 69% of patients, 92% of whom were female. We observed an insignificant trend
for a higher frequency of VEGF expression in the high-grade as compared to low-grade osteosarcoma. We observed no association
between vascular density and proliferation index and any clinical parameters. We found an association between HIF-1α expression
and metastatic disease and between VEGF expression and female gender.
One or more of the authors (RG) have received funding from the National Cancer Institute (Grant Number R01 CA 83132) and the
Yurman Limb Preservation Fund.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study
was obtained.