Prognostic significance of mast cells and vascular density in prostatic adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Context: Though mast cells infiltrate solid tumors, the exact role of mast cells in tumor biology is controversial. Mast cell density (MCD) may vary depending on its location in the tumor and tumor vascularity. MCD may influence the tumor aggressiveness. Aims: This study evaluates MCD and tumor vascularity in different histopathological grades of adenocarcinoma prostate. Settings and Design: Descriptive study with purposive sampling. Methods and Material: The subjects of study were 42 adenocarcinoma patients. 20 cases were of intermediate grade (Gleason score 2-7) and 22 were of high-grade (Gleason score 8-10). Histological diagnosis was made by examining sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Additional sections from the same block were stained for mast cells using Giemsa stains as per standard protocol. Mast cell count was done in minimum six random high-power microscopy fields in four different regions- intratumoral, peritumoral, stromal and perivascular regions. Statistical Analysis Used: SSPS software version 13.0. Descriptive statistics, Student's t test and ANOVA test. Results: In high-grade adenocarcinoma, mast cell counts were higher in perilesional, stromal and perivascular regions, whereas it was lower in intralesional areas as compared to the intermediate grade. However, statistical significance was observed only for the perivascular region. There was significantly higher number of blood vessels in high-grade adenocarcinoma as compared to intermediate grade adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: In this study, perilesional mast cells and vascularity increased with increased severity of adenocarcinoma. These findings suggest a possible influence of mast cells on the tumor microenvironment such as vessel density and aggressiveness of tumor. However, further studies are required to substantiate results of this study.