The increased expression of adhesion molecules ICAM‐3, E‐ and P‐selectins on breast cancer endothelium

Abstract

Sequential interaction of neoplastic cells with the endothelium of tumour neovasculature is believed to be a significant step in tumour metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that inducible endothelial adhesion molecules are intimately involved in this process. An immunohistochemical approach was used to examine the expression of adhesion molecules in 14 normal controls and a series of 64 invasive breast carcinomas. Endothelium in normal breast showed constitutive expression of PECAM (100 per cent), ICAM‐2 (100 per cent), and P‐selectin (64 per cent); variable and focal expression of ICAM‐1 (71 per cent); and only weak staining for E‐selectin (21 per cent). No ICAM‐3 or VCAM‐1 expression w..