CORRELATIVE STUDIES ON ANGIOGENESIS AND LYMPHANGIOGENESIS IN BREAST CANCER

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Angiogenesis is necessary to support neoplastic survival since it allows for continuous oxygen supply and toxic waste removal. Proangiogenic factors stimulate vascular proliferation in malignant states and contribution to tumor growth and metastasis. However, the role of specific vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) isoforms in tumor progression is widely unknown and may provide insight into the method of lymphatic invasion and metastatic spread. In addition, recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells from the bone marrow contributes to the direct formation of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic vessels, and quantification of circulating hematopoietic cells may offer information about the method of tumor progression. This pilot study was designed to validate molecular, cellular, and functional surrogate markers of angiogenesis in breast cancer, identify new therapeutic and prognostic targets, and to correlate angiogenesis markers to stage and prognosis in patients with malignant breast disease.