Association of Serum Fibrinogen and Plasma VEGF Levels with Tumor Characteristics and Treatment Response in Operable Breast Carcinoma.

Abstract

Background and Aims: A search for factors predicting the behavior of the tumor, its invasiveness, metastasis, response to treatment and prognosis is the primary focus of breast cancer research. The objective of the present study was to study the association of fibrinogen and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with various parameters of breast carcinoma. Materials and methods A case control was conducted in which fibrinogen and VEGF levels were compared between cases and controls and also with various characteristics of breast carcinoma such as T stage, lymph node positivity, grade, lymphovascular invasion and receptor status. The effect of surgery of breast cancer on fibrinogen and VEGF levels was also studied. Results The levels of fibrinogen and VEGF were significantly higher in cases when compared to controls (p < 0.001). Increased fibrinogen level was significantly associated with higher grade of the tumor, lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion. Increased VEGF level was significantly associated with higher grade and lymphovascular invasion of the tumor. After treatment there was a statistically significant fall in the levels of the above mediators (p < 0.001). Conclusions Serum fibrinogen and plasma VEGF levels were significantly higher in patients of breast carcinoma and had significant association with invasiveness of the tumor.