Effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Cerb-B2, vascular endothelial growth factor and Ki-67 in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

Purpose: The aim of this study is aimed to demonstrate the changes in the tumor diameter and expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Ki-67, and Cerb-B2 status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Materials and Methods: Sixty-nine patients who diagnosed with locally advanced breast cancer and treated with were prospectively evaluated. The tumor diameter and VEGF, Ki-67, ER, PR, and Cerb-B2 expressions tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) were evaluated before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in the tumor diameter and in the expression of VEGF, Ki-67, ER, PR, and Cerb-B2 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusion: The significant reduction in VEGF expression suggests that the tumor angiogenesis and its metastatic ability may be reduced by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The significant change in the Ki-67 proliferation index may suggest the reduced proliferative activity of malignant cells with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.