VEGF-C expressing tumor-associated macrophages in lymph node positive breast cancer: impact on lymphangiogenesis and survival

Surgery. 2006 Jun;139(6):839-46. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2005.12.008.

Abstract

Background: The ability of malignant tumors to metastasize presents a severe challenge in cancer treatment. Lymphatic vessels provide one of the main routes for tumor-metastasis on the way to regional lymph nodes. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory cells play an important role in tumor-associated angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Recent data show that a specialized sub fraction of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) expressing the lymphoangiogenic growth factors vascular endothelial growth factor-C and -D (VEGF-C/D) at the tumor site, is related to lymphangiogenesis, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastasis. Aim of this study was to clear the role of VEGF-C/D expressing TAMs in invasive breast cancer.

Methods: One hundred-seven cases of lymph node positive invasive breast cancer were included into the study. Lymphatic microvessel density (LMVD), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), peritumoral inflammatory reaction (PI), and VEGF-C expression in tumors (VEGF-C(T)) and TAMs (VEGF-C(C)) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.

Results: Significant associations were seen between LMVD and LVI, LMVD and VEGF-C(T), and between VEGF-C(T) and VEGF-C(C). Further significant correlations were evaluated between VEGF-C(C)/VEGF-C(T) and PI as well as between PI and LVI. LVI remained an independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival and overall survival.

Conclusions: Our data provide evidence that the peritumoral inflammatory reaction and VEGF-C expressing TAMs may play an important role in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymphovascular invasion in invasive breast cancer, implying new potential anti-tumor targets.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Breast Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Breast Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Lymphangiogenesis*
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Macrophages / chemistry*
  • Middle Aged
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C / analysis*

Substances

  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C