N. Pendleton et al., Relationships between different measurements of vascularity and clinico-pathological parameters in breast cancer, ANTICANC R, 18(6B), 1998, pp. 4565-4568
Microvascular density has been put forward as an independent prognostic fac
tor in breast cancel; with high levels indicating poorer prognosis. However
, various studies have failed to confirm its prognostic value. The reasons
for the contradictory results are not known, but it is believed that method
ological differences are responsible. To test this hypothesis, we have used
four different methods of assessing vascularity (average and highest micro
vascular density, microvascular volume and image analysis of vascular area)
and related them to known prognostic factors in 51 cases of breast cancer
NOS. All four methods showed a significant correlation with each other with
the exception of image analysis vs microvascular volume. The average micro
vascular density was significantly lower in p53 positive compared to negati
ve tumours (median 38.4 and 66.2; IQR 31.1 and 49.4, respectively, p<0.05).
Vascularity, measured by the four methods, was not associated with nodal s
tatus or any other parameter examined.