Vascular lesions of the orbit, although not malignant, can cause morbidity because of their location near critical structures in the orbit. For the same reason, they can be challenging to remove surgically. Anti-
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs are increasingly being used to treat diseases with prominent angiogenesis. Our study aimed to determine to what extent VEGF
receptors and their subtypes are expressed on selected
vascular lesions of the orbit.
Design
Retrospective case series of all orbital vascular lesions removed by one of the authors (JAG) at the Mayo Clinic.
Participants
A total of 52 patients who underwent removal of vascular orbital lesions.
Methods
The pathology specimens from the patients were retrieved, their pathologic diagnosis was confirmed, demographic and clinical information were gathered, and sections from vascular tumors were stained with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 1 (VEGFR1), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 2 (VEGFR2), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor type 3 (VEGFR3).
Main Outcome Measures
The existence and pattern of staining with VEGF and its subtypes on these lesions.
Results
There were 28 specimens of venous malformations, 4 capillary hemangiomas, 7 lymphatic malformations, and 6 lymphaticovenous malformations. All samples stained with VEGF, 55% stained with VEGFR1, 98% stained with VEGFR2, and 96% stained with VEGFR3. Most (94%) of the VEGFR2 staining was diffuse.
Conclusions
Most orbital vascular lesions express VEGF receptors, which may suggest a future target for nonsurgical treatment.
