The efforts to quantify tumor angiogenesis (AG) have been limited by the methods available. Only since introduction of immunohistochemistry, detection of early stages of capillary vessel formati- on is enabled. There were reports showing strong correlation between AG and behavior of the tumor (namely formation of metastases, disease free interval, and overall survival) particularly in carcinomas of the breast, prostate, esophagus, stomach and colon. However, significance of these studies is strongly dependent on the methodological aspects, e.g. the choice of visualized endothelial antigen, microscopic magnification and selection of areas with highest angiogenic activity (so called „hot spots”). We present a review of studies focused on AG and discuss pitfalls, which could bias the results. Current clinical applications as well as perspectives of future antiangiogenic treatment are also discussed.

        Key words: angiogenesis - breast carcinoma - quantification - prognosis