VEGF, EGF, HGF, and PDGF levels during chemotherapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract

4057 Background: Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer in USA. Angiogenesis is necessary for the growth and metastasis of tumors in colorectal cancer (CRC). Increased angiogenesis in the primary tumor has been associated with poor prognosis and relapse of the disease. The aim of the present study was to measure plasma levels of the angiogenic factors in metastatic CRC patients before and after chemotherapy and to correlate with prognosis, in order to estimate the possible predictive value of angiogenic factor levels. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with metastatic CRC were recruited to the study and blood samples were taken to measure VEGF, EGF, HGF and PDGF before chemotherapy. All patients received XELOX (Capecitabine+Oxaliplatin) and response was assessed according to their clinical and radiologic evaluation after three cycles of XELOX. Angiogenic factors were measured after third cycle of chemotherapy. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 15.0 package program. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Wilcoxon and 2 sample T test were used. Results: Eighteen patients (47.3%) achieved partial response (PR), 10 (26.3%) stable disease (SD), and 10 (26.3%) progressive disease (PD). VEGF, EGF, HGF and PDGF levels at baseline and after three cycles of chemotherapy are summarized in table . After 3 cycles of XELOX therapy VEGF, EGF, HGF and PDGF levels significantly decreased respectively, (p<0.0001, p=0.011, p=0.049, p<0.0001), in PR group. PDGF levels significantly decreased in SD group (p<0.0001). However, other angiogenic factors were not influenced. Serum HGF levels significantly increased (p<0.046) after 3 cycles of chemotherapy, however, VEGF, EGF, and PDGF levels were not significantly different in patients with PD. Conclusions: Significant decrease in VEGF, EGF, HGF and PDGF levels correlate with PR and indicate good prognosis in patients with advanced CRC. However, increased HGF level is associated with PD. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.