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BMC Cancer
Published in: BMC Cancer 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

High lymphatic vessel density and presence of lymphovascular invasion both predict poor prognosis in breast cancer

Authors: Song Zhang, Dong Zhang, Mingfu Gong, Li Wen, Cuiwei Liao, Liguang Zou

Published in: BMC Cancer | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Lymphatic vessel density and lymphovascular invasion are commonly assessed to identify the clinicopathological outcomes in breast cancer. However, the prognostic values of them on patients’ survival are still uncertain.

Methods

Databases of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception up to 30 June 2016. The hazard ratio with its 95% confidence interval was used to determine the prognostic effects of lymphatic vessel density and lymphovascular invasion on disease-free survival and overall survival in breast cancer.

Results

Nineteen studies, involving 4215 participants, were included in this study. With the combination of the results of lymphatic vessel density, the pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 2.02 (1.69–2.40) for disease-free survival and 2.88 (2.07–4.01) for overall survival, respectively. For lymphovascular invasion study, the pooled hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were 1.81 (1.57–2.08) for disease-free survival and 1.64 (1.43–1.87) for overall survival, respectively. In addition, 29.56% (827/2798) of participants presented with lymphovascular invasion in total.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that lymphatic vessel density and lymphovascular invasion can predict poor prognosis in breast cancer. Standardized assessments of lymphatic vessel density and lymphovascular invasion are needed.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
High lymphatic vessel density and presence of lymphovascular invasion both predict poor prognosis in breast cancer
Authors
Song Zhang
Dong Zhang
Mingfu Gong
Li Wen
Cuiwei Liao
Liguang Zou
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Cancer / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2407
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-017-3338-x

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