Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Survivin in Salivary Gland Tumors

Abstract

Salivary gland tumors constitute an important area of oral and maxillofacial pathology which may present significant diagnostic and management challenges. Recent studies have begun to shed some light on the molecular aberrations that govern the neoplastic transformation and progression in SGTs. This knowledge has the potential to translate into new therapies that will specifically target the oncogenic events associated with the growth, survival and spread of SGTs. Survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis has shown to be a significant prognostic indicator in various human cancers. This study was conducted to immunohistochemically investigate the expression of VEGF and survivin proteins in different benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and to correlate the expression of VEGF and survivin in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Forty formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded-specimens of different benign and malignant salivary gland tumors were used in this study. Eight cases were diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma, twelve cases were diagnosed as warthin’s tumor, five cases were diagnosed as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, eight cases were diagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma (Cylindroma) and seven cases diagnosed as adenocarcinoma not otherwise specified.