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Breast Angiosarcoma: Case Series and Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

Breast Angiosarcoma: Case Series and Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Case reports in oncology Brar, R., West, R., Witten, D., Raman, B., Jacobs, C., Ganjoo, K. 2009; 2 (3): 242-250

Abstract

PURPOSE: Angiosarcoma of the breast is a rare, malignant tumor for which little is known regarding prognostic indicators and optimal therapeutic regimens. To address this issue, we performed a retrospective analysis of breast angiosarcoma cases seen at Stanford University along with immunohistochemical analysis for markers of angiogenesis. METHODS: Breast angiosarcoma cases seen between 1980 and 2008 were examined. Viable tissue blocks were analyzed for expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors. RESULTS: A total of 16 cases were identified. Data was collected regarding epidemiology, treatment, response rates, disease-free survival, and the use of various imaging modalities. Five tissue blocks remained viable for immunohistochemical analysis. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A was positively expressed in 3 of these samples. CONCLUSION: Angiosarcoma of the breast is an aggressive malignancy with a propensity for both local recurrence and distant metastases. Angiogenesis inhibition may represent a novel therapeutic modality in this rare, vascular malignancy.

View details for PubMedID 20737044