Angiosarcoma of the breast and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Breast angiosarcoma is rare and often associated with previous breast cancer treatment. The present study aimed to define long-term outcomes in relation to common prognostic factors. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor was also evaluated, as it may be a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We retrospectively assessed outcomes in relation to age, association with previous breast-conserving treatment for breast cancer, tumor size, and grade in 19 patients without metastases at diagnosis. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor was also assessed.

RESULTS:

Median follow-up was 33 months (range, 1-121). There were 6 local recurrences and 6 deaths for disease progression. Five-year disease-free survival and overall survival were 53% (95% CI, 20-86%) and 49% (95% CI, 14-84%), respectively. No factor significantly affected survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor was positive in 50% of cases and was more frequent in better differentiated cancer.

CONCLUSIONS:

The association of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor with G1/G2 tumors requires further investigations. Our findings suggest that anti-angiogenic treatment in vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-positive cases be considered as a novel therapeutic modality in this rare and aggressive disease. Although information is still incomplete, we propose a multimodal therapeutic approach including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

• Authors: Massimiliano Gennaro, Barbara Valeri, Patrizia Casalini, Maria Luisa Carcangiu, Alessandro Gronchi, Alberto Rudy Conti, Roberto Agresti, Marco Greco
• Journal: Tumori (Tumori) 2010 Nov-Dec Vol. 96 Issue 6 Pg. 930-5 ISSN: 0300-8916 [Print] United States
• PMID: 21388054 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors
• Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Topics

• Angiogenesis Inhibitors (therapeutic use)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, etiology, metabolism, pathology, therapy)
• Disease-Free Survival
• Female
• Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
• Hemangiosarcoma (drug therapy, etiology, metabolism, pathology, therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Mastectomy, Segmental
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasms, Second Primary (drug therapy, etiology, metabolism)
• Radiotherapy, Adjuvant (adverse effects)
• Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (drug effects, metabolism)
• Retrospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome