No association between serum levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐I, vascular endothelial growth factor, prolactin and clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma after surgery

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Abstract
Background:  Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been suggested as the major angio­genic factor in breast carcinoma. Both insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and prolactin are involved in the progression of breast cancer at least partly by stimulating angiogenesis.Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum IGF‐I, VEGF and prolactin levels and clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma.Methods:  Serum IGF‐I, VEGF and prolactin levels were measured in breast cancer patients and controls and these levels were compared with well‐known clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma, including tumour size, axillary lymph node and oestrogen/progesterone receptor status, tumour grade and disease stage.Results:  Serum prolactin, VEGF and IGF‐I levels were found to be similar in breast cancer patients and control subjects (P > 0.05). When the patients were divided into groups according to their tumour size, axillary lymph node status, tumour grade, oestrogen/progesterone receptor status and disease stage, no significant differences in serum prolactin, VEGF and IGF‐I levels were found among the groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions:  The present study failed to demonstrate an association between serum levels of VEGF, IGF‐I and prolactin and well‐known clinicopathological characteristics of breast carcinoma. (Intern Med J 2004; 34: 310−315)