Fig. 5

Docetaxel induces enlargement and expansion of tumor-draining lymphatics in vivo that can be attenuated by VEGFR3 blockade. a Quantified lymphatic vessel perimeter in both tumor-bearing mammary fat pad of treated 4T1 mice and contralateral naïve (non-tumor bearing) fat pad. b Quantified lymphatic vessel area in both tumor-bearing mammary fat pad of treated 4T1 mice and contralateral naïve (non-tumor bearing) fat pad. c Quantified lymphatic vessel density of single podoplanin+ lymphatic vessels per stromal area throughout sections. d Total lymphatic endothelial cells per weight of fat pad (live CD45⁻CD31⁺gp38⁺) as determined by flow cytometry. e Fluid drainage from tumor to axillary lymph node as determined after Evans blue injection into tumor-bearing mammary fat pad 24 h after treatment with docetaxel. (n = 5–9 mice per group). f Quantified lymphatic vessel density displayed as number of peritumoral lymphatic vessels per mm² of stromal tissue after 0, 1, 2, and 3 doses of docetaxel (8 mg/kg, IV, 3 days apart). *p < 0.05, **p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001