VEGF Levels in Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Niers Tatjana M. H., Richel Dick J., Meijers Joost C. M., Schlingemann Reinier O.
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
True circulating VEGF levels in most cancer patients are low and unrelated to cancer load or tumor angiogenesis.
Conclusion
Most cancer patients have low freely circulating VEGF levels, except for those with renal cell carcinoma, where levels are elevated due to a genetic defect.
Supporting Evidence
- VEGF levels in citrate plasma were significantly higher in cancer patients compared to healthy controls.
- In PECT plasma, only RCC patients showed elevated VEGF levels compared to controls.
- Platelet VEGF content was two-fold higher in cancer patients than in healthy controls.
Takeaway
This study found that the amount of a certain protein (VEGF) in the blood of cancer patients is usually low, but in some kidney cancer patients, it is high because of a specific problem in their genes.
Methodology
VEGF levels were measured in different plasma types from healthy subjects and cancer patients, comparing methods to minimize platelet activation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the method of blood collection affecting VEGF levels.
Limitations
The study may not account for all factors influencing VEGF levels, and results are specific to the methods used for blood collection.
Participant Demographics
16 healthy controls, 18 patients with metastatic non-renal cancer, and 12 patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website