Prognostic impact of matched preoperative plasma and serum VEGF in patients with primary colorectal carcinoma
2002

Impact of VEGF Levels on Colorectal Cancer Survival

Sample size: 524 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Werther K, Christensen I J, Nielsen H J

Primary Institution: Hvidovre University Hospital, University of Copenhagen

Hypothesis

Is preoperative serum or plasma VEGF a better predictor of survival in colorectal cancer patients?

Conclusion

Preoperative serum VEGF is a better predictor of overall survival than plasma VEGF in colorectal cancer patients.

Supporting Evidence

  • Plasma VEGF levels were significantly higher in colorectal cancer patients compared to healthy donors.
  • High serum VEGF levels independently predicted reduced survival in colon cancer patients.
  • No significant difference in serum VEGF levels was found between colorectal cancer patients and healthy donors.

Takeaway

This study found that measuring a substance called VEGF in the blood can help doctors understand how long patients with colorectal cancer might live after surgery.

Methodology

The study analyzed VEGF levels in plasma and serum from 524 colorectal cancer patients and 50 healthy donors, comparing their prognostic value.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the reliance on blood samples and the effects of platelet degranulation.

Limitations

The study may not account for all factors influencing VEGF levels and survival.

Participant Demographics

Patients included 316 men and 208 women, median age 69 years; healthy donors were 30 men and 20 women, median age 59 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.015

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/sj.bjc.6600075

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