ASSOCIATION OF SERUM VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR LEVEL WITH ESTROGEN RECEPTORS STATUS IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Aim: Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested as the major angiogenic factor in breast carcinoma. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between the serum of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in breast cancer patients and its relationship to various prognostic indices and estrogen receptor status. Methods: VEGF levels was determined in 45 breast cancer patients and 15 healthy women, using enzyme-linked immunoassay technique Results: Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were detected in 45 patients with breast cancer before surgery and at 3 weeks after surgery. The serum VEGF levels of the cancer patients as a group were significantly elevated compared with those of the controls (P 0.0005). VEGF levels were elevated in patients with invasive cancer of duct carcinoma, and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive tumors. Post-operatively, VEGF level decreased significantly. Conclusions: Preoperative serum VEGF detects breast cancer with a sensitivity of 62.2%. The relationship to cancer type and ER status may have future therapeutic implications which deserves more extensive study