Impact of Ascites and Plasma Levels of VEGF-A in Epithelial Ovarian Cancers

Bhaskari J Lakshmi

doi:10.4172/2155-9899.1000353

Abstract

In a study analysing the plasma and ascitic fluid levels of VEGF-A in 220 epithelial ovarian cancer patients, we found that the patients presenting with markedly elevated levels of VEGF-A in their ascitis fluid came back with disease recurrence within 2 years post primary line of treatment. VEGF-A levels in the ascites of patients was a better marker for prognosis and aggressive disease compared to plasma VEGF-A levels. Although, plasma VEGF-A levels did not associate with recurrence, it did associate with other clinico-pathological factors studied as the stage, grade, CA-125 levels and the serous histopathology. VEGF-A plasma levels did not correlate with increased production of ascites but increased VEGF-A levels in the ascites correlated with aggressive disease, recurrence and mortality. The results of our study show that while the measurement of plasma VEGF-A levels may be a biomarker for malignant disease, levels of VEGF-A in ascitic fluid was a strong predictive marker for poor prognosis and rapid recurrence.

Highlights

Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are one of the most dreaded malignancies that eventually lead to recurrence and mortality when diagnosed in late stages of the disease
There are no clear biomarkers for EOCs and these silent killers manage to maintain a disappointing 5 year survival of 27% in patients who are diagnosed with late stage disease
In this study, we have investigated into a case cohort of 220 epithelial ovarian tumour patients and measured their plasma VEGFA levels; as well as the corresponding ascites Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor – A (VEGF-A) levels wherever the patient has presented with ascites

Summary

Introduction

Epithelial ovarian carcinomas are one of the most dreaded malignancies that eventually lead to recurrence and mortality when diagnosed in late stages of the disease. These cancers are notorious for their complex tissue heterogeneity and tumorigenesis. Some of the telling tales of EOCs is the presence of ascites and rising CA-125 levels in the serum of the patient. Other symptoms such as bloating and pelvic pain are often confusing and fail to catch the clinician’s attention

Methods

Results

Conclusion