Expression of placental growth factor in pleural effusion of non-small cell lung cancer patients and its impact on clinical effects

Abstract

Objective To explore the placental growth factor (PlGF) expression in the serum and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its impact on the clinical effects. Methods PlGF level in the serum and MPE from 44 NSCLC patients was analyzed and compared, and the relationship of PlGF level and clinical effects was assessed. Results PlGF level in the serum of NSCLC patients was (545.05±26.35) ng/L, which was significantly higher than that of healthy individuals [(478.62±17.82) ng/L]. The level of PlGF in MPE was (1 094.61±176.48) ng/L, which was significantly higher than that in transudative pleural effusion [(100.81±43.97) ng/L]. However, there was no significant difference in PlGF expression between exudative pleural effusion [(933.54±216.29) ng/L] and MPE.After treatment, there were 15 cases in invalid group, 16 cases in partial response group, 13 cases in complete response group respectively.PlGF level in three curative effect groups had statistical significance difference, and the higher level of PlGF with the worse clinical efficacy. Conclusions PlGF level is high in MPE of NSCLC patients and there is a negative correlation between PlGF level and clinic effects.As angiogenesis factor, PlGF may play an important role in the onset of NSCLC with MPE by stimulating the growth of tumor blood vessels and inflammatory exudation. Key words: Non-small cell lung cancer; Pleural effusion; Placental growth factor; Clinical effects