The vasculogenic mimicry, CD146 ⁺ and CD105 ⁺ microvessel density in the prognosis of endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma: a single-centre immunohistochemical study

The microvessel compartment is crucial in the tumour microenvironment of endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EA). This study investigated the role of vasculogenic mimicry (VM), CD146, and CD105 microvessel density in the clinical prognosis of EA. A total of 188 EA cases were analyzed, with VM channels and microvessels detected using PAS/CD31, CD146, and CD105 staining. Mann-Whitney and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the study groups according to the evaluated criteria. ROC analysis included determination of the confidence interval (CI) and area under the ROC curve. The Mantel-Cox test was used to analyze progression-free survival. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed using stepwise regression. Results showed that VM channels and CD146 and CD105 microvessels were significantly higher (<i>p</i> < 0.0001) in cases with unfavourable prognosis. Univariate survival analysis highlighted the significant role of these factors in progression-free survival, while multivariate Cox analysis identified VM and CD146+ vessels as predictive factors. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that VM, CD146, and CD105-positive vessels are involved in EA prognosis, suggesting their potential as independent prognostic indicators and targets for antiangiogenic therapy. However, these findings require further validation through large-scale studies.