Vascular endothelial growth factor and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor are frequently coexpressed in highly vascularized human breast cancer.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) are known to be angiogenic growth factors in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between VEGF expression and PD-ECGF expression in human breast cancer tissues using immunocytochemical methods. Of 152 primary breast cancers, 84 (55.3%) and 71 (46.7%) were positive for VEGF and PD-ECGF, respectively. Fifty-three (63. 1%) of 84 VEGF-positive tumors had a PD-ECGF-positive phenotype, whereas only 18 (26.5%) of 68 VEGF-negative tumors had a PD-ECGF-positive phenotype. There was a significant correlation between the VEGF expression and PD-ECGF expression (P < 0.01). As a single factor, VEGF expression and PD-ECGF expression were significantly associated with an increase in the microvessel density assessed by the immunocytochemical analysis using antifactor VIII-related antigen mAb. Interestingly, in addition, of 53 tumors with more than 100 microvessel counts/1 mm2, 40 (75.5%) had both VEGF- and PD-ECGF-positive phenotypes. It was found that VEGF and PD-ECGF were frequently coexpressed in highly vascularized tumors with high microvessel counts. It is suggested that VEGF and PD-ECGF might cooperatively function in the neovascularization of human breast cancer.
Toi
M
M
Department of Surgery, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, 3-18-22, Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113, Japan.
Inada
K
K
Hoshina
S
S
Suzuki
H
H
Kondo
S
S
Tominaga
T
T
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000098:blood supply / Q000378:metabolism*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013939:Thymidine Phosphorylase / Q000378:metabolism*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D013939:Thymidine Phosphorylase