Quantification of Mean Vessel Density Inretinoblastoma and Its Correlationwith Local Tumor Invasion and Patients Survival

Background and objectives: retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular pediatricmalignancy. angiogenic factor expression such as vegf (vascular endothelial growth factor) inretinoblastoma can be confirmatory angiogenic potential of this tumor. this study was performedto determine the role of angiogenesis in local invasion of retinoblastoma and its correlation withpatients’ survival.materials and methods: this clinicopathological analysis was performed on 60 paraffinembeddedeyes with adequate tumoral tissue, which were stained using a cd34 antibody.microvessel count was carried out in three tumor areas with the richest vascularity (hot spots) at ahigh magnification (× 400). the obtained data were correlated with histopathological characteristicsand 5-years survival. statistical analysis of the data was performed using student t-test and anovatest (p<0.05).results: tumor with local invasion to choroids, optic nerve, sclera and cilliary body showedstatistically significant higher mean vessel density (p=0.00, p=0.041, p= 0.008 and p= 0.002,respectively). in addition, a statistically significant correlation was detected between mean vasculardensity and 5-years survival (p=0.031).conclusion: the results suggest that in retinoblastoma, mean vessel density has a significant rolein local invasion of tumor growth and a significant correlation with patient survival. therefore, inthese patients an anti-angiogenic therapy and minute diagnostic and follow up programs should beconsidered to identify metastasis.