Levels of VEGF-A mRNA in plasma from patients with colorectal carcinoma as possible surrogate marker of angiogenesis.
OBJECTIVE
The regulator of angiogenesis most extensively studied is VEGF. VEGF mRNA in plasma from patients with colorectal cancer was analyzed as a possible surrogate marker of tumor angiogenesis.


METHODS
VEGF mRNA was measured by quantitative PCR in plasma, tumors and circulating tumor cells from colorectal cancer patients. Circulating VEGF protein was analyzed by ELISA. Microvessel density was determined.


RESULTS
Levels of VEGF mRNA and protein in plasma were higher in patients than in controls. VEGF mRNA was overexpressed in tumors with respect to normal tissues. Levels of VEGF protein were associated with VEGF mRNA in plasma, but no associations with tumor samples were found. A trend to statistical significance was shown between high VEGF mRNA and vascular invasion. MVD was not related to VEGF mRNA in plasma.


CONCLUSIONS
Thus, VEGF mRNA could be a marker similar to VEGF protein in plasma.
Garcia
Vanesa
V
Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, C/San Martín de Porres, 4, 28035, Madrid, Spain.
Garcia
Jose M
JM
Silva
Javier
J
Peña
Cristina
C
Dominguez
Gemma
G
Lorenzo
Yolanda
Y
Diaz
Raquel
R
Alonso
Isabel
I
Colas
Antonio
A
Hurtado
Alicia
A
Sanchez
Antonio
A
Bonilla
Felix
F
D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017931:DNA Primers; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000235:genetics*
D017931:DNA Primers; D005819:Genetic Markers; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012334:RNA, Neoplasm; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A