Vascular endothelial growth factor a in eyes with uveal melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) in the aqueous humor of eyes with uveal melanoma and to identify its source.


METHODS
The VEGF-A concentrations were determined in aqueous humor samples obtained after enucleation from 74 eyes with untreated uveal melanoma and from 8 eyes with treated uveal melanoma. Patient survival and clinical and histopathological tumor variables were compared. In situ hybridization, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to determine expression of VEGF-A in tumor tissue and in overlying retina.


RESULTS
Aqueous VEGF-A concentrations ranged from 18 to 826 pg/mL in 74 untreated eyes, while concentrations in 30 control eyes were significantly lower (median, 50.1 pg/mL) (P<.001). Concentrations in 8 treated eyes were much higher (median, 364 pg/mL). In situ hybridization on tissue sections and Western blot analysis and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on tissue extracts revealed VEGF-A in uveal melanoma tissue and in retinal tissue.


CONCLUSIONS
Uveal melanoma is associated with increased concentrations of VEGF-A in aqueous humor. Aqueous VEGF-A concentration correlates with largest basal tumor diameter and with the tumor height. In eyes with uveal melanoma, tumor and retinal tissues are sources of VEGF-A.
Missotten
Guy S O
GS
Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Medical Statistics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden.
Notting
Irene C
IC
Schlingemann
Reinier O
RO
Zijlmans
Henry J
HJ
Lau
Chun
C
Eilers
Paul H C
PH
Keunen
Jan E E
JE
Jager
Martine J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001082:Aqueous Humor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001918:Brachytherapy; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014604:Uveal Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism*
C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A