The influence of mast cells on tumor lymphatic vessels in breast cancer

Abstract

Abstract Background: Mast cells (MCs) are frequently observed in the tumor stroma of cancers, their significance being a source of dispute because of both pro- and antitumoral roles. It is well known that MCs master angiogenic and lymphangiogenic functions. The goal of present study was to research on the distribution of MCs and lymphatic vessels in peri- and intratumoral areas as well as the relationships between LVD, MCs and the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Material and methods: 62 cases of breast carcinomas were analyzed in terms of molecular classification by immunohistochemistry, followed by the identification of MCs and lymphatic vessels using the lymphatic endothelium marker D2-40 and the MC tryptase. These were counted in the intratumoral and peritumoral areas and results were compared with the molecular subtype. Results: MCs numerically prevailed in the peritumoral stroma, highest values being noticed in case of luminal B/HER2+ subtype. Maximum numerical values of both D2-40it and D2-40pt were achieved in triple negative carcinomas. For luminal A, a positive correlation was detected between D2-40pt and MCpt (p=0.02). In HER2+ subtype intratumoral MCs correlated with both intratumoral and peritumoral lymphatic vessels (p=0.01 and p=0.03, respectively). In case of G2 tumors, MCit correlated with peritumoral lymphatic vessels (p=0,003). Conclusions: MCs are a key player of the tumor microenvironment, involved in the development of lymphatic vessels for some molecular subtypes of breast cancer.