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Correlation between VEGF expression and angiogenesis in breast carcinoma
Logasundaram Rajesh1, Kusum Joshi, Veena Bhalla
1Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Analytical and Quantitative Cytology and Histology
|May 11, 2004
Summary
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is present in most breast cancers. However, its expression does not directly correlate with microvessel density, suggesting other factors contribute to tumor angiogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Tumor angiogenesis is crucial for cancer growth and metastasis.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis.
- The precise role of VEGF in breast carcinoma angiogenesis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between VEGF expression by tumor cells and angiogenesis in breast carcinoma.
- To analyze the spatial correlation between VEGF and CD31 (a marker for microvessels) using image morphometry.
Main Methods:
- Study included 34 cases of node-negative breast carcinoma (grades 1-3).
- Immunostaining for VEGF and CD31 was performed on tumor sections.
- Morphometric analysis compared "hot spots" of VEGF and CD31 staining density and intensity.
Main Results:
- VEGF was expressed in all 34 breast carcinoma cases.
- No significant topographic correlation was found between VEGF "hot spots" and CD31 "hot spots".
- Total scores for VEGF and CD31 did not show significant differences.
Conclusions:
- VEGF is widely expressed in breast carcinomas.
- The lack of correlation suggests that VEGF alone may not be the sole driver of angiogenesis in breast cancer.
- Other angiogenic factors likely contribute to the process alongside VEGF.