Abstract 1384: Axl and VE-cadherin expression as markers of angiogenesis in human breast cancers

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Abstract Background: The aim of our study was to investigate vascular expression of Axl and VE-cadherin as potential markers of angiogenesis in human breast carcinoma. Materials and methods: Immunohistochemical staining was performed using antibodies against Axl and VE-cadherin. Expression was examined in a population-based series of breast cancers collected in Hordaland County (Norway) during 1996-2001. The series is a nested case-control study as part of the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program, and consists of 95 invasive interval cancers and 95 invasive screen detected cancers matched by tumor diameter. Positive microvessels were counted in 10 consecutive high power fields within hot-spot areas according to previously established criteria and expressed as microvessel density (MVD) by mean number of microvessels per mm2. Results: The MVD for Axl was associated with progesterone receptor status (p=0.026), HER-2 status (p=0.030) and basal-like phenotypes: CK5/6+ P-cadherin+ (p=0.009), ER- HER2-CK5/6+ (p=0.014) and ER- HER2- CK5/6+ and/or EGFR+ (p=0.027). In contrast, MVD by VE-cadherin expression (n=127) indicated negative associations with basal-like phenotypes: CK5/6+ or P-cadherin+ or EGFR+ (p=0.034), and ER- HER2- P-cadherin+ (p=0.003). VE-cadherin expression also tended to be associated with better patient survival (p=0.067). Conclusion: High MVD by vascular expression of Axl was associated with aggressive features in our breast cancer series, especially the basal-like phenotype, whereas MVD by VE-cadherin expression appeared to be related to less aggressive tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1384. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1384