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Prognostic implications of VEGF in breast cancer

VEGF expression negatively correlates with relapse-free and overall survival3

VEGF expression negatively correlates with relapse-free and overall survival

VEGF expression negatively correlates with relapse-free and overall survival
In a study of 260 patients with node-negative breast cancer, Gasparini and colleagues found that VEGF expression was associated with both increased risk of relapse and poor overall survival. Note that the worst outcomes were seen in patients whose tumors expressed 245 to 1096 pg of VEGF per mg of protein, although patients whose tumors expressed >1096 pg of VEGF per mg of protein were included. The authors proposed several possible explanations, including limitation of tumor growth by vascular compression, interstitial pressure, and necrosis; a lack of specific receptors for soluble VEGF isoforms in this subgroup of high-VEGF—expressing tumors; overexpression of endogenous angiogenic inhibitors; and distortion of results due to relatively short follow-up. The small number of patients in this subgroup may also be a factor in the study results.3

Gasparini G, Toi M, Gion M, et al. Prognostic significance of vascular endothelial growth factor protein in node-negative breast carcinoma. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997;89(2):139-147. Adapted by permission of Oxford University Press.

Higher levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein in breast tumors have been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, including those with both node-positive and node-negative disease.2-5,11

In a retrospective analysis of primary tumor tissue from 260 women with node-negative breast cancer, Gasparini and researchers found that levels of VEGF in resected breast tumors were prognostic for both overall and relapse-free survival. The same group observed similar correlations in a separate study of 301 women with node-positive disease.3,11

Overall, while many studies have given insight into the various roles of angiogenic factors in malignant transformation and clinical behavior of breast cancer, large prospective clinical studies are needed to better clarify the prognostic role of VEGF in breast cancer.

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VEGF as a predictive factor

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