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Tumor microvessel density and prognosis in node‐negative breast cancer
Author(s) -
Medri Laura,
Nanni Oriana,
Volpi Annalisa,
Scarpi Emanuela,
Dubini Alessandra,
Riccobon Angela,
Becciolini Aldo,
Bianchi Simonetta,
Amadori Dino
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(20000120)89:1<74::aid-ijc12>3.0.co;2-l
Subject(s) - immunoperoxidase , breast cancer , medicine , estrogen receptor , cancer , oncology , univariate analysis , pathology , multivariate analysis , antibody , monoclonal antibody , immunology
Microvessel density (MVD) of breast cancer is widely regarded as a prognostic factor, but results from studies on the most important case series have produced conflicting results. The present study was performed with confirmatory intent to define the prognostic relevance of MVD on a series of 378 node‐negative‐breast‐cancer patients, much larger than any other series previously analyzed. Microvessels were stained using Factor‐VIII antibody and an immunoperoxidase reaction. MVD was determined independently by 2 observers according to Weidner's methods. In parallel, cell proliferation was evaluated as S‐phase fraction and determined according to the 3H‐thymidine‐labeling index method (TLI). Estrogen and progesterone receptors were quantitatively assessed using the dextran‐charcoal technique. Tumor MVD varied greatly from tumor to tumor (2 to 232 MV/mm 2 ) and was unrelated to patient age and menopausal status, or to tumor size, histology and steroid‐receptor status. A significant ( p = 0.004) but weak inverse correlation (r s = −0.188) was observed with cell proliferation. Univariate analysis using 40 MV/mm 2 as cut‐off showed an inverse relation with 5‐year relapse‐free survival (82% vs. 71%, p = 0.018). This finding was limited to very small tumors, slowly proliferating tumors and ER‐negative tumors. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size and TLI, but not MVD, menopausal status or ER as independent prognostic factors. Int. J. Cancer (Pred. Oncol.) 89:74–80, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.