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 brinogen and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with various parameters of breast carcinoma. Materials and methodsA case control was conducted in which brinogen 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 brinogen and VEGF levels was also studied. ResultsThe levels of brinogen and VEGF were signi cantly higher in cases when compared to controls (p < 0.001). Increased brinogen level was signi cantly associated with higher grade of the tumor, lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion. Increased VEGF level was signi cantly associated with higher grade and lymphovascular invasion of the tumor. After treatment there was a statistically signi cant fall in the levels of the above mediators (p < 0.001). ConclusionsSerum brinogen and plasma VEGF levels were signi cantly higher in patients of breast carcinoma and had signi cant association with invasiveness of the tumor. DeclarationsContributions: HKK conceptualized the study and conducted it. RY designed the methodology and wrote the manuscript. NG helped in data acquisition and reviewed the manuscript. BG conducted the study and was in charge of the biochemical tests conducted. AJ conducted the study and helped in data acquisition. MPA conducted the study and supervised it.