Angiogenic peptides in prostatic disease.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the value of measuring serum concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), advanced and localized prostate cancer, and thus assess the role of angiogenesis factors as markers of malignancy and the formation of metastasis.


METHODS
Serum was obtained from 106 suitable patients who attended a routine clinic during the study period. A histological diagnosis was confirmed for each patient and a bone scan was positive in those with metastatic disease. The level of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was measured and the serum concentrations of VEGF and bFGF measured using a quantitative sandwich immunoassay technique.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference (1.6-fold) in the serum concentration of bFGF between patients with local and advanced prostate cancer (P=0.006), but there was no significant difference for either of the growth factors between patients with BPH and metastatic prostate cancer (Mann-Whitney test).


CONCLUSIONS
The serum levels of VEGF and bFGF could not be used to distinguish benign from malignant prostatic disease; the serum PSA level is of more value than either, but the serum concentration of bFGF may be of some value in differentiating patients with local and advanced malignancy.
Walsh
K
K
Department of Urology, Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
Sherwood
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Dew
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Mulvin
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D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood*; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011469:Prostatic Diseases / Q000097:blood*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen