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Current pathologic methods for measuring intratumoral microvessel density within breast carcinoma and other solid
1Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0102, USA.
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Tumor angiogenesis (TA), the growth of new blood vessels, is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis. Increased intratumoral microvascular density (iMVD) correlates with more aggressive cancers and poorer survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Tumor growth and metastasis are critically dependent on tumor angiogenesis (TA).
- TA is essential for tumors to grow beyond 2-4 mm and for the metastatic cascade.
- Intratumoral microvascular density (iMVD) is a key indicator of TA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for highlighting intratumoral vessels.
- To describe techniques for counting vessels to assess iMVD.
- To establish the correlation between iMVD and tumor aggressiveness.
Main Methods:
- Measuring microvessel density using light microscopy in high-density areas ('hot spots').
- Highlighting endothelial cells with anti-factor VIII-related antigen/von Willebrand's factor (F8RA/vWF).
- Utilizing other vessel-specific reagents like anti-CD31 in subsequent studies.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant association was reported between increased iMVD and a higher incidence of metastases in breast carcinoma patients.
- Subsequent studies confirmed the link between elevated iMVD and greater tumor aggressiveness across various solid tumors.
- Higher iMVD correlates with increased tumor aggressiveness, including more frequent metastases and decreased survival.
Conclusions:
- Assessing iMVD is vital for understanding tumor aggressiveness.
- Methods for quantifying iMVD aid in predicting patient outcomes.
- TA and iMVD are critical factors in cancer progression and metastasis.