Relationship of ALDH1⁺/CD133⁺ Stem Cell-like Cells with Angiogenesis in Breast Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Tissues

Objective To explore the expression of cancer stem cell markers, ALDH1 and CD133, in breast invasive ductal carcinoma tissues and elucidate their relationship with angiogenesis. Methods The expression levels of ALDH1/CD133, CD34, CD105, and VEGF were detected by immunohistochemical double and single staining methods in 120 specimens of breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Results The expression rate of ALDH1+/CD133+ cells in the cancer tissues was 25.83％(31/120). It was closely associated with microvessel density(MVD), VEGF and ER expression (P＜0.05), while no significant association with age, tumor size, PR, Her-2, histological grade or lymph node metastasis(P＞0.05). Conclusion In breast invasive ductal carcinoma tissues, ALDH1+/CD133+ stem cells-like cells may promote angiogenesis by improving the expression of VEGF.