High VEGFR-3–positive Circulating Lymphatic/Vascular Endothelial Progenitor Cell Level Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Human Small Cell Lung Cancer

Purpose: The newly identified bone marrow–derived cell population, called lymphatic/vascular endothelial progenitor cells (LVEPC), has been shown to contribute to lymph capillary growth in experimental tumor systems. The clinical significance of these cells has not yet been investigated in a human malignancy. Our aim was to study whether peripheral blood circulating LVEPCs participate in the progression of human small cell lung cancer (SCLC)....