[Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D in association with VEGF receptor-3 in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer].

Breast carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor in women. For these patients, lymph node metastasis is one of the most important prognostic factors. Recent studies suggest that lymphangiogenesis can contribute to the lymphatic metastasis in tumors. Several members of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, such as VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), have been found to promote lymphangiogenesis in breast cancer. However, there are still some controversy about the prognostic value of VEGF-D and the relation between VEGFR-3 and lymphangiogenesis. This article tried to provide an overview of the research progress of lymphangiogenic factor VEGF-D and its receptor VEGFR-3 in lymphatic metastasis of breast cancer.