Estimation of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Various Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors

Abstract

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin-8, and various other cytokines are positive regulators of angiogenesis. Increased levels in urine, serum, and plasma are associated with increased angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis in solid tumors. The aim of the study was to estimate the serum VEGF levels in various hematological malignancies and in solid tumors. Materials and Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent sssay was used to measure VEGF concentration in serum samples from 62 patients with newly diagnosed hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Samples from 10 cases of normal persons were taken as control. Results: Overall, mean serum VEGF levels of the patients in study groups of hematological malignancies and solid tumors (133.96 ± 47.50 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those of control group (40.3 ± 8.27 pg/ml). Among all the subgroups, highest serum VEGF levels were found in central nervous system tumors followed by equivalent levels of multiple myeloma and lymphomas. Among leukemias, patients of acute myeloid leukemia showed higher VEGF levels than acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Conclusion: Serum VEGF levels of the patients with hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors were higher compared to controls. Further studies are needed to determine the therapeutic implications of this finding.