VEGF mRNA expression as a powerful independent predictor for recurrence in ameloblastoma: Integrating molecular profiling with surgical outcome analysis.
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OBJECTIVE: To investigate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression as an independent biomarker for predicting recurrence in ameloblastoma (AM), and to evaluate its potential for guiding surgical strategy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 200 patients with primary AM undergoing initial surgery during January 2021-December 2023. Patients were categorized into curettage (n = 77) and extended resection (n = 123) groups. Relative VEGF mRNA expression in the tumor cyst wall was quantified using RT-qPCR. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression were used to analyze recurrence-free survival (RFS) and risk factors. Perioperative outcomes and complications were compared between groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models. RESULTS: VEGF mRNA expression was significantly elevated in the recurrence group (4.66 ± 1.42) versus the non-recurrence group (3.24 ± 2.02, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis identified an optimal VEGF cutoff value of 4.88 for predicting recurrence (AUC = 0.694). This molecular stratification revealed a profound disparity: the 2-year RFS was significantly lower in the VEGF-high group (77.4 %) compared to the VEGF-low group (94.9 %, P < 0.001). While extended resection provided a higher 2-year RFS than curettage (96.0 % vs. 79.5 %, P < 0.001), it incurred greater operative burden and complication risks. Crucially, multivariate analysis established high VEGF expression as the most powerful independent predictor of recurrence (HR = 45.15, P < 0.001), with a risk magnitude exceeding that of curettage (HR = 37.22, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: High VEGF mRNA expression is a powerful, independent biomarker for AM recurrence, with a prognostic impact surpassing surgical choice. Preoperative VEGF assessment holds significant potential for guiding individualized surgical planning and optimizing follow-up strategies.