Microvessel Density and Chemotherapy Response in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): O Tynninen, J Sjöström, K von Boguslawski, N O Bengtsson, R Heikkilä, P Malmström, B Østenstad, E Wist, V Valvere, E Saksela, T Paavonen, C Blomqvist
Primary Institution: Haartman Institute, Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki
Hypothesis
Is intratumoural microvessel density associated with response to chemotherapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer?
Conclusion
Microvessel density of the primary tumour cannot be used as a predictive marker for chemotherapy response in advanced breast cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Microvessel density was not significantly associated with chemotherapy response.
- Low microvessel density was associated with longer disease-free survival.
- The study included a randomised multicentre trial comparing different chemotherapy regimens.
Takeaway
The study looked at how the number of blood vessels in breast cancer tumors affects how well patients respond to chemotherapy, and found it doesn't help predict treatment success.
Methodology
The study analyzed microvessel density in tumor samples from 104 patients using immunohistochemistry and compared it with clinical responses to chemotherapy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients based on staining quality.
Limitations
The study only included patients from a specific trial and may not be generalizable to all breast cancer patients.
Participant Demographics
Patients had metastasized breast cancer and had previously undergone anthracycline therapy.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p=0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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