RESUMEN
Polymorphisms in the promoter and 5' untranslated region of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have been associated with VEGF levels. To investigate the role of VEGF polymorphisms in breast cancer, the VEGF 2578C/A, 1498C/T, 1154G/A and 634G/C polymorphisms were genotyped in 483 breast cancer patients and 524 healthy controls. VEGF mRNA levels in breast cancer tissue were determined using semiquantitative RTPCR. The genotypes, 634G/C and 634C/C, were associated with an increased risk for breast cancer when compared with the 634G/G genotype. The VEGF 634G/C genotype was associated with tumor size >20 mm, perineural invasion and stage IIIV. Individuals with 634C/C had lower diseasefree survival. Patients with the VEGF 634C/C genotype exhibited the highest VEGF mRNA levels. High VEGF mRNA expression correlated with tumor size >20 mm, presence of lymphovascular invasion and axillary nodal metastasis. These observations suggested that VEGF 634G/C polymorphisms have a significant role in breast cancer susceptibility and aggressiveness.