The VEGF/VEGF-R Axis in Sporadic Vestibular Schwannomas Correlates with Irradiation and Disease Recurrence

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> The molecular mechanisms downstream of mutated neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene resulting in the growth and development of vestibular schwannoma (VS) are controversial. Several lines of evidence suggest the involvement of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway in VS development. Given that recent studies of VEGF blockade in patients with NF2-associated VS showed positive effects on VS growth control, we initiated this comprehensive study of the VEGF pathway in sporadic VS. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A tissue microarray analysis of 182 sporadic VS was conducted. The expression of VEGF and its recepto…