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VEGF and microvessel density

The correlation between VEGF and microvessel density in breast cancer17

The correlation between VEGF and microvessel density in breast cancer
A study by Toi et al of 328 breast cancer tissue biopsies showed a positive correlation between rate of VEGF expression (as measured by immunocytochemical staining intensity) and microvessel density.17

Adapted from Toi 1995. Reproduced with permission from Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

Several reports have confirmed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with increased microvessel density in breast cancer. In a study published in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, Toi and colleagues demonstrated that VEGF expression is associated with microvessel density in breast tumor biopsies. Their postoperative tissue analysis of 328 primary breast cancer patients showed a positive correlation between the rate of VEGF expression and microvessel density.17

Relationship between VEGF expression and microvessel density counts18

 
VEGF Expression
 
 StrongLow-levelP value
Median Microvessel
  Count (± SD)
  Range
  Number (n)

100 ± 30.6
37-147
22

71 ± 48.6
33-229
24



0.04
"Strong" VEGF expression, defined as cell clusters (3 or more cells) showing 10 or more autoradiographic grains per cell, was observed in 22 cases (48%). "Low-level" VEGF expression, defined as lesions showing fewer than 10 grains per cell, was observed in 24 cases (52%).

Likewise, in a separate analysis of 46 DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) breast tumor biopsies, Guidi and colleagues found that the degree of VEGF mRNA expression associated with the degree of angiogenesis was statistically significant.18 Other research has also suggested that microvascular density in breast cancer might play a role in prognosis.

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Pattern of angiogenesis

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