Telomerase activity and lymphovascular invasion in breast cancer

Background: Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein in enzyme that plays an impor tant role in cell immortalization and carcinogenesis. Lymphovascular invasi on (LVI) is a fundamental step in the process of breast cancer metastasis a nd is recognized as an important prognostic factor in patients with breast cancer. Methods: Using a PCR-based assay, telomerase activity was determined in 34 prospectively collected infiltrating were examined histologically by two ex perienced breast pathologists using light microscopy and haematoxylin & eos in staining. Results: Telomerase activity was detected in 23 (71%) of 34 breast turnouts . Two (20%) of 10 telomerase-negative Methods: Using a PCR-based assay, tel omerase activity breast carcinomas. Adjacent sections of the specimens rumo urs had LVI compared with 14 (58.3%) of 24 telomerase-positive rumours. Thi s association was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Telomerase activity was also significantly associated with nodal metastases but not with tumou r grade. tumour size or menopausal status. Conclusions: Telomerase reactivation is significantly associated with LVI i n breast cancer and may reflect the metastatic potential of the disease. (C ) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.