Correlation between hepatocyte growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in breast carcinoma

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR, c-met) expressions in homogenous group of breast cancer patients. Tumor samples were collected from 98 patients with invasive ductal breast carcinoma stage II treated with primary surgery. We have observed a strong correlation between VEGF-A and c-met. No correlations were found between VEGF-A or HGFR expressions and clinical parameters (tumor size, grade, axillary lymph node status, age), 5- and 10-years DFS or OS. Our study did not reveal any prognostic value of c-met or VEGF. In addition they are not useful to separate a patients' subgroup with poor prognosis. Unlike in other authors' studies, our patients' group is very homogenous which might tribute to obtained results.