Use of serum VEGF (SVEGF) levels to predict outcome of esophageal cancer (EC) patients undergoing preoperative chemoradiation (CRT).

Abstract

4140 Background: Increased sVEGF concentrations have been correlated with outcome in many solid tumors, including EC. 72 pts with untreated locally advanced EC undergoing CRT were evaluated to elucidate the association of sVEGF levels with clinico-pathologic parameters andoutcome. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from pts before and after CRT. Fifty age- and sex-matched healthy blood donors were used for determination of normal sVEGF levels. sVEGF levels were determined using an ELISA kit. Results: Pretreatment sVEGF levels were significantly higher in pts than in the control group (455.2 ± 108 vs. 85.1 ± 21 pg/mL; p < 0.001). sVEGF levels were significantly higher in EUS stage III than EUS stage II disease (655.7 ± 87.3 vs. 381.2 ± 48.7 pg/mL; p = 0.0025). Preoperative sVEGF levels were not correlated with age, gender, PS, histology, grading, tumor location and platelets. All pts were evaluable for CRT response: basal sVEGF levels in responding group (pCR + pPR: 49 pts) were significantly lower than those of non-responding group (SD + PD:23 pts): 315.3 ± 95.3 vs. 689.58 ± 132.1 pg/mL; p = 0.0010). The mean follow up time was 31.2 ± 15.3 months. The 3-years OS for all pts was 37%: pts with VEGF levels higher than 455.2 pg/mL had a lower 3-year OS rate than pts with lower VEGF levels (61% vs. 17%; p < 0.001). The 3-years DFS rate for all pts was 32%: pts with VEGF levels higher than 455.2 pg/mL had a lower 3-year DFS rate than pts with lower VEGF levels (70% vs. 19%; p < 0.0014). Conclusions: Our results suggest that sVEGF levels correlate with tumor burden and are useful in predicting the outcome of EC patients undergoing preoperative CRT. No significant financial relationships to disclose.