Assessment of Microvessel Density (Angiogenesis) and its Correlation with Hormonal Status of Carcinoma Breast

Background Carcinoma Breast is the commonnest malignancy in women. Evaluation of microvessel density (MVD) provides additional information regarding the biological profile of the tumor. Aim To detect the intratumoral MVD microscopically and tumor angiogenesis using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and ER, PR, HER2/neu status and to correlate MVD and VEGF with ER, PR, HER2/neu status. Materials and Methods 50 cases of INVASIVE DUCTAL CARCINOMA-NOS type of breast cancers reported during the year 2014 were selected and Hematoxylin& Eosin slides were reviewed. IHC was done for VEGF, ER, PR, HER2/neu and the results were documented. Results The Majority (50 %) of cases showed ER/PR negativity while HER2/neu was positive in 34.8 % of cases. Mean MVD was 33.19. However there was no significant correlation between VEGF expression and hormone receptor status in this study. Conclusion The assessment of MVD, VEGF and hormone receptor status have applications in the evaluation of prognosis and as a therapeutic target. However study involving large sample size and computerized image analysis will help in identifying the exact association of MVD and VEGF with other prognostic factors.