Reproducibility of microvessel counts in breast cancer specimens
Author Information
Author(s): Marson L P, Kurian K M, Miller W R, Dixon J M
Primary Institution: Edinburgh Breast Unit, Breast Unit Research Group and Department of Pathology, Paderewski Building, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
Hypothesis
Can microvessel counts in breast cancer specimens accurately predict response to primary therapy?
Conclusion
Microvessel counts can be assessed reproducibly, but they do not accurately reflect overall tumor vascularity.
Supporting Evidence
- Microvessel counts were performed by two observers on separate occasions.
- A highly significant correlation was found in counts performed by the same observers at different times.
- No significant correlation was found in counts of core biopsies and tumor sections taken simultaneously or subsequently.
- No correlation was found between counts of sequential core biopsies.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well doctors can count tiny blood vessels in breast cancer samples, and found that while they can do it consistently, those counts might not help predict how well treatment will work.
Methodology
Microvessel counts were performed by two observers on separate occasions and by two different observers on core biopsies and tumor sections.
Limitations
Counts from core biopsies do not accurately reflect overall tumor vascularity.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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