Expression of CXCR4 and VEGF‐C is correlated with lymph node metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the correlations between CXCR4 and VEGF‐C expression and lymph node metastasis in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Tumor specimens, lymph nodes, and normal lung tissues were obtained from 110 NSCLC patients who underwent complete resection. Quantitative reverse transcription‐PCR and immunohistochemistry assays were conducted to evaluate messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of CXCR4 and VEGF‐C. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in NSCLC. RESULTS: CXCR4 and VEGF‐C mRNA expression were observed in 78 (70.9%) and 64 (58.2%) lung cancer tissues, while CXCR4 and VEGF‐C protein expression were observed in 76 (69.9%) and 58 (52.7%) lung cancer tissues, respectively. The expression rates of CXCR4 and VEGF‐C mRNA in metastatic lymph nodes were 84.8% and 66.7%, which were higher than that in non‐metastatic lymph nodes (27.3% and 18.2%), respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that positive expressions of CXCR4 and VEGF‐C mRNA were independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis in NSCLC. Furthermore, combined expression of CXCR4 and VEGF‐C showed a much higher odds ratio than CXCR4 or VEGF‐C expression alone. CONCLUSIONS: CXCR4 and VEGF‐C were highly expressed in lung cancer tissues and metastatic lymph nodes. CXCR4 and VEGF‐C expression levels were significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis in NSCLC. CXCR4 and VEGF‐C might synergically promote lymphatic metastasis in lung cancer and might be a clinical predictor of lymph node metastasis in NSCLC patients.