The prognostic value of quantitative angiogenesis in breast cancer and role of adhesion molecule expression in tumor endothelium

Abstract

Angiogenesis is the formation of new capillaries from the existing vascular network and is essential for tumor growth and metastases. Increased microvessel density in breast cancer is associated with lymph node metastasis and reduced survival. We have assessed tumor vascularity in 211 breast carcinomas using a more rapid technique based on a Chalkley point eyepiece graticule. We confirmed using this method a significant reduction in overall survival between patients stratified by Chalkley count in both a univariate (p=0.02) and multivariate (p=0.05) analysis. Since studies have suggested that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) might be important in the angiogenic process, and interaction of neop..