Lymphangiogenic Characteristics of Triple Negativity in Node-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract

Purpose. Triple-negativity breast cancer (TNBC), being negative for the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor, and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, represents a subgroup of breast cancer with a poor clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to determine whether TNBC is associated with lymphangiogenesis in node-negative breast carcinomas. Methods. The authors investigated the clinicopathologic characteristics, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), and expression of 2 lymphangiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D), in 21 lymph node—negative TNBCs and 70 lymph node—negative non-TNBCs. Results. TNBC correlated with younger age (below 35 year) and higher histological grade. It also correlated with a higher intratumoral and peritumoral LVD, positive lymphatic invasion, and positive VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression. Conclusions. For the first time, this study indicated a link between triple-negativity breast cancer and lymphangiogenesis. Lymphangiogenesis might help explain the special malignant phonotype of breast cancer, and lymphangiogenesis inhibitors might be a novel choice for triple-negativity breast cancer patients.