Ryssdal Kraby M, et al, -- This trial was designed to examine microvessel density (MVD), proliferating MVD (pMVD), and vascular proliferation index (VPI) in non-luminal subtypes of breast cancer. Researchers concluded that MVD appears to be an independent prognostic factor in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and five negative phenotype (5NP) subtypes of breast cancer, in which high MVD is associated with poor survival. MVD was found to be higher in the 5NP vs both BP and HER2 type.

Methods:

• All non-luminal subtypes (61 basal phenotype [BP], 60 HER2 type, and 30 5NP) were selected from a series comprising 909 cases of breast cancer. Sections were stained for Ki67 and von Willebrand factor.
• Associations between MVD, pMVD, and VPI, molecular subtypes and prognosis were studied.

Results:

• MVD was highest in 5NP, but no clear difference was found between HER2 type and BP.
• MVD and VPI did not differ between subtypes.
• For MVD, HR was 1.07 per 10 vessel increase and 1.9 if MVD was greater than the median value.
• High MVD was associated with poor prognosis in the HER2 type, but not in BP.
• pMVD and VPI were not associated with prognosis.