Elevated preoperative serum levels of angiogenic cytokines correlate to larger primary tumours and poorer survival in non-small cell lung cancer patients.
We have analysed the predictive and prognostic information in preoperatively collected serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients clinically evaluated as operable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fifty-eight patients with operable NSCLC were included. VEGF and bFGF levels in serum were analysed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (Quantikine human VEGF and Quantikine HS human FGF basic, R&D Systems). Univariate analysis demonstrated that tumour volume, platelet counts, VEGF and bFGF were significant prognostic factors. However, only bFGF remained significant in the multivariate analysis (P=0.014). Significant correlation's were demonstrated between VEGF levels and tumour volume (r=0.33; P=0.012) and platelet count (r=0.43; P=0.001). bFGF levels correlated significant with recurrent disease (r=0.34; P=0.01), platelet count (r=0.53, P<0.001) and performance status (r=0.29; P=0.029). Furthermore, bFGF levels and VEGF levels correlated significantly (r=0.44; P<0.001). We conclude that elevated circulating angiogenic cytokines correlate with tumour volume, higher relapse risk and poorer survival in patients with operable non-small cell lung cancer.
Brattström
Daniel
D
Department of Oncology, Uppsala University Hospital, University of Uppsala, S-751 85, Uppsala, Sweden. daniel.brattstrom@onkologi.uu.se
Bergqvist
M
M
Hesselius
P
P
Larsson
A
A
Lamberg
K
K
Wernlund
J
J
Brodin
O
O
Wagenius
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000473:pathology*; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010976:Platelet Count; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D013534:Survival; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D016222:Fibroblast Growth Factor 2