Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to examine the association of risk factors with survival. On the basis of these risk factors, a uniform staging system is proposed and predictive survival curves developed. The primary determinants of survival in gastrinoma are the size of the primary tumor and liver metastases. Complete surgical resection reduces mortality, regardless of other factors. AD - Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Hopital Beaujon, Clichy, France.
Angiogenesis is a complex multistep process essential for tumour growth.
Recent studies have shown that VEGF expression is correlated to microvessel density and tumour progression. The aim of this study was to analyse VEGF expression in a series of gastrointestinal neuroendo- crine tumours. Surgical specimens from 28 gastrointestinal carcinoids and 20 pancreatic endocrine tumours were examined for VEGF expression by immunohistochemistry. Intense cytoplasmic staining for VEGF was observed in several cells of the islets of Langerhans and in neuroendocrine cells of normal digestive mucosa. All midgut carcinoids showed strong VEGF expression in tumoral cells.