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.