Association of macrophages with angiogenesis in oral verrucous and squamous cell carcinomas

Background: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a major cellular component of human cancers, yet there is still no consensus as to their role in cancer growth and angiogenesis. Methods: The association between TAMs and angiogenesis was investigated in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival material of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC). TAMs shown by immunohistochemistry for CD68 and microvessels demonstrated by immunohistochemistry for CD31 were quantified using an image analyzer computer system. Results: TAMs were observed in all studied specimens. The area percentage of CD68 immunoreactivity and microvessel density (MVD) were significantly lower in OVC compared with the different grades of OSCC (P = 0.0009), (P = 0.0045). Both parameters increased in high-grade malignancy of OSCC. Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between the area percentage of CD68 immunoreactivity and the MVD in the studied tumors. Conclusions: Increased TAMs is associated with angiogenesis and higher histopathological grades in oral cancer.