Tumor angiogenesis: role in locally aggressive biological behavior of ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess and compare angiogenesis in ameloblastoma, keratocystic odontogenic tumors, dentigerous cysts, and normal oral mucosa. METHODS Angiogenesis was assessed in 28 ameloblastoma-36 keratocystic odontogenic tumors, 28 dentigerous cysts, and 19 normal oral mucosa by measuring the mean vascular density (MVD), total vascular area (TVA) and mean vascular area (MVA). Immunohistochemistry was carried out by using CD105. RESULTS The nonsignificant difference of MVD was noted between ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumors (p = .174). TVA and MVA were significantly higher in ameloblastoma than keratocystic odontogenic tumors, normal oral mucosa, and dentigerous cysts (p < .001). MVD, TVA, and MVA were significantly higher in keratocystic odontogenic tumors than normal oral mucosa and dentigerous cysts (p < .001). CONCLUSION The results suggest that tumor angiogenesis may play an important role in locally invasive aggressive biologic behavior of ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumor. The angiogenesis could be a potent target for developing antiangiogenic therapeutic strategies, particularly in recurrent cases of odontogenic tumors.