Clinical value of circulating endothelial cell levels in metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with first-line chemotherapy and bevacizumab

BackgroundWe investigated whether circulating endothelial cells (CECs) predict clinical outcome of first-line chemotherapy and bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients.Patients and methodsIn a substudy of the randomized phase II FNCLCC ACCORD 13/0503 trial, CECs (CD45- CD31+ CD146+ 7-amino-actinomycin- cells) were enumerated in 99 patients by four-color flow cytometry at baseline and after one cycle of treatment. We correlated CEC levels with objective response rate (ORR), 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate (primary end point of the trial), PFS, and overall survival (OS). Multivariate analyses of potential prognostic factors, including CEC counts and Köhne score, were carried out.ResultsBy multivariate analysis, high baseline CEC levels were the only independent prognostic factor for 6-month PFS rate (P < 0.01) and were independently associated with worse PFS (P = 0.02). High CEC levels after one cycle were the only independent prognostic factor for ORR (P = 0.03). High CEC levels at both time points independently predicted worse ORR (P = 0.025), 6-month PFS rate (P = 0.007), and PFS (P = 0.02). Köhne score was the only variable associated with OS.ConclusionCEC levels at baseline and after one treatment cycle may independently predict ORR and PFS in mCRC patients starting first-line bevacizumab and chemotherapy.     

Cell adhesion molecules, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer treated with chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab--an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Study.

BACKGROUND: E4599 was a phase II/phase III trial, in which 878 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were randomized to carboplatin + paclitaxel (PC arm) or PC + bevacizumab (BPC arm). Survival and progression-free survival were superior on the BPC arm. The rationale for markers used in this correlative study was based on elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and E-selectin in a variety of malignancies and changes in response to endothelial cell apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective correlates included measurements of pretreatment plasma VEGF, as well as pretreatment and week 7, bFGF, ICAM, and E-selectin. Low and high levels were defined as less than or equal to or more than the median. RESULTS: E-selectin (P < 0.0001) showed a decrease and bFGF showed an increase (P = 0.004) from baseline at week 7, which were similar in both arms. Baseline ICAM showed significant associations with response and survival in both groups. Patients with low baseline ICAM had a higher response rate (32% versus 14%; P = 0.02), better overall survival (P = 0.00005), and better 1-year survival (65% versus 25%) than those with high ICAM, respectively, regardless of treatment arm. Patients with high VEGF levels were more likely to respond to BPC compared with PC, but this was not predictive of survival. The results also suggest a benefit from bevacizumab for patients with low baseline ICAM levels (53% reduction in the progression-free survival hazard rate). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, baseline ICAM levels were prognostic for survival and predictive of response to chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. VEGF levels were predictive of response to bevacizumab but not survival.     

Clinical efficacy of metronomic chemotherapy after cool-tip radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Purpose: Anti-angiogenic agents have shown promise for treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and the primary mechanism of low-dose metronomic chemotherapy using traditional cytotoxic drugs is anti-angiogenic. This study evaluated the efficacy of metronomic capecitabine and thalidomide after cool-tip radiofrequency ablation (RFA), relative to RFA alone, for treating patients with HCC. Methods and materials: Patients with HCC were randomly apportioned to a test group (n?=?22) receiving metronomic chemotherapy with capecitabine and thalidomide after RFA, or a control group (n?=?28) receiving RFA only. Serum circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in all patients before and 1 month after RFA treatment. Enhanced computed tomography or ultrasound imaging was performed to evaluate efficacy during 12 months of follow-up. The treatment groups were further stratified as HCC within or outside the Milan criteria for transplantation. Results: One month post-treatment, the tumour response rate (TRR), including complete response and partial response rate, of the test and control groups was statistically similar. At 12 months, the TRR of the test group (68.2%) was significantly higher than that of the control group (35.7%). In the test group, the TRR of patients whose tumour burdens were outside the Milan criteria was significantly higher than that of the control group. One month post-treatment, CECs and VEGF levels of the test group were significantly lower than baseline, while those of the control group were significantly higher. At the end of the 12-month follow-up, there was a progression-free survival (PFS) benefit of 2 months in the test group. Conclusion: Metronomic capecitabine and thalidomide after RFA significantly reduced recurrence of HCC and extended PFS, especially for HCC outside the Milan criteria, perhaps via reduction of serum CECs and VEGF levels and inhibition of tumour angiogenesis.     

Inhibition of VEGF induces cellular senescence in colorectal cancer cells

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, such as bevacizumab, have improved outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Recent studies have suggested that VEGF can delay the onset of cellular senescence in human endothelial cells. As VEGF receptors are known to be upregulated in CRC, we hypothesized that VEGF inhibition may directly influence cellular senescence in this disease. In our study, we observed that treatment with bevacizumab caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in cellular senescence in vitro in several CRC cells, such as MIP101, RKO, SW620 and SW480 cells, compared to untreated or human IgG-treated control cells. Similar results were also obtained from cells treated with a VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor Ki8751. In vivo, cellular senescence was detected in MIP101 tumor xenografts from 75% of mice treated with bevacizumab, while cellular senescence was undetectable in xenografts from mice treated with saline or human IgG (p < 0.05). Interestingly, we also observed that the proportion of senescent cells in colon cancer tissues obtained from patients treated with bevacizumab was 4.4-fold higher (p < 0.01) than those of untreated patients. To understand how VEGF inhibitors may regulate cellular senescence, we noted that among the two important regulators of senescent growth arrest of tumor cells, bevacizumab-associated increase in cellular senescence coincided with an upregulation of p16 but appeared to be independent of p53. siRNA silencing of p16 gene in MIP101 cells suppressed bevacizumab-induced cellular senescence, while silencing of p53 had no effect. These findings demonstrate a novel antitumor activity of VEGF inhibitors in CRC, involving p16.     

Bevacizumab plus microtubule targeting agents in heavily pre-treated ovarian cancer patients: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES. As vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is expressed in ovarian cancer, we assessed the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting VEGF) plus microtubule targeting agents for heavily pre-treated ovarian carcinoma patients. METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Combined treatment included bevacizumab with paclitaxel in 32 (74%), docetaxel in 10 (23%), and vinorelbine in one (2.3%) patients, respectively. RESULTS. The median number of combined treatment was six cycles (range 1-29). On RECIST criteria, the objective response rate (ORR) was 40% (16% CR and 24% PR). Clinical benefit (complete response [CR] plus partial response [PR] and stable disease [SD] lasting ≥ 3 months) was 74% (CI95%: 46.7-77%). Median duration of treatment and overall survival were 3.9 months (range 0.2-14.4 months) and 20.1 months (CI95%: 13.8-20.1) respectively. No toxic death was reported. Grade 3-4 toxicity occurred in 30% of patients. Gastrointestinal perforations and fistula occurred in 3 (7%) and 6 (14%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSION. Although being active in terms of ORR, bevacizumab plus microtubule targeting agents - mainly taxanes - leads to a high rate of gastro-intestinal perforations and fistula in heavily pre-treated ovarian carcinoma patients.     

Circulating endothelial progenitors and CXCR4-positive circulating endothelial cells are predictive markers for bevacizumab

BACKGROUND:

Bevacizumab plus chemotherapy is a standard option in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of circulating endothelial cell progenitors (CEPs) and phenotypical circulating endothelial cells (CECs) as surrogate markers of clinical outcome in mCRC patients to identify responders to bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy.

METHODS:

A total of 69 patients with measurable mCRC were enrolled in this prospective study. Whole blood samples were analyzed before initiation of treatment and on days 4 and 14. Phenotypical CECs and CEPs were then isolated and enumerated by using flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

CEP levels of less than 0.04% on day 4 were significantly associated with longer progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P < .001, P = .002, respectively) as compared with levels of 0.04% or more. In addition, CXCR4‐positive CEC levels of less than 20% at baseline were significantly associated with longer PFS and OS as compared other indicators investigated (P < .001, P = .002, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS:

Levels of CEPs on day 4 and proportion of CXCR4‐positive CECs at baseline were correlated with the prognosis of bevacizumab combination chemotherapy, suggesting that these surrogate markers may play a core role in the selection of candidates for bevacizumab treatment. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.     

Increased serum concentration of angiogenic factors in malignant melanoma patients correlates with tumor progression and survival.

PURPOSE: To determine the predictive value of the angiogenic serum factors angiogenin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) for the prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Angiogenin, VEGF, bFGF, and IL-8 were measured in sera of 125 melanoma patients with different stages of disease and with or without current therapy including interferon alfa and different cytostatics in comparison with 30 healthy controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Serum levels of angiogenin, VEGF, bFGF, and IL-8 were significantly increased in melanoma patients compared with healthy controls. Elevated serum concentrations of VEGF, bFGF, and IL-8 were associated with advanced disease stages and tumor burden. Cytostatic therapy of patients was accompanied by increased serum levels of angiogenin, bFGF, and IL-8. As shown by univariate analysis, elevated serum levels of VEGF (P = .0001 and .0036), bFGF (P < .00005 and < .00005), and IL-8 (P < .00005 and < .00005) were strongly correlated with a poor overall and progression-free survival, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed stage of disease (P = .0238), tumor burden (P = .0347), VEGF (P = .0036), bFGF (P = .0252), and IL-8 (P = .0447) as independent predictive factors of overall survival. Tumor burden (P = .0081), VEGF (P = .0245), and IL-8 (P = .0089) were found as independent predictive factors of progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the angiogenic serum factors VEGF, bFGF, and IL-8 are useful predictive markers for overall and progression-free survival in melanoma patients.     

Activity of Single-Agent Bevacizumab in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Previously Treated With Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

PurposeThe activity of systemic agents after progression when using vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibition (TKI) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) is poorly characterized. The anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody bevacizumab has a broad US Food and Drug Administration label and National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline level 2b recommendation in this setting; we thus explored our institutional experience in this population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with mRCC who were treated with bevacizumab in the second- and/or third-line settings; the primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). Overall response rates (ORR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity were analyzed.ResultsTwenty-one patients were treated with bevacizumab: the median age was 63 years old; 80% were white and 14% were black; 80% had clear cell histology. All the patients had prior VEGFR TKI therapy; 43% had prior mTOR inhibitor; the median number of prior therapies was 3. The median PFS was 4.4 months (95% CI, 2.8-9.6 months), and the median OS was 19.4 months (95% CI, 9.9-NR months). ORR was 9.5%; 52% of subjects had stable disease as best response, and 52% had disease progression. For subjects treated with prior VEGF and mTOR inhibitors, median PFS and OS were 4.4 and 13.2 months, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities included fatigue (29%), dehydration (24%), failure to thrive (10%), constipation (10%), and muscle weakness (10%).ConclusionsSingle-agent bevacizumab has acceptable toxicity and moderate disease-stabilizing activity in selected patients with mRCC who have failed prior VEGFR TKI and mTOR inhibitors. These data support clinical benefit to continued ongoing VEGF inhibition. Further prospective studies of bevacizumab alone or with alternative targeted agents in previously treated populations with mRCC are warranted.     

Rituximab, bevacizumab and CHOP (RA-CHOP) in untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: safety, biomarker and pharmacokinetic analysis

Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients with high serum VEGF levels have an inferior survival compared to patients with low VEGF levels. Bevacizumab was administered through a central line at 15 mg kg^-1 IV on day 1 followed by rituximab (R) and CHOP on day 2 for cycle 1 and day 1 for cycles 2 - 8. Serum levels of bevacizumab and R were measured at specified time points to assess pharmacokinetics (PK). Plasma and urine samples were also analysed for VEGF. Tumor samples were stained for VEGF, CD31 and factor VIII by immunohistochemistry. Thirteen patients with newly-diagnosed DLBCL received a total of 88 cycles (range 2 - 8, median 7). Best response included five CR, six PR, one SD and one PD with an overall response rate of 85% and complete response rate of 38%. The 12-month PFS is 77% and a median follow-up of 16.9 months for the surviving patients. All tumor samples stained strongly positive for VEGF and there was a marginal association between baseline plasma VEGF and response (p = 0.04). Patients with higher plasma VEGF levels were generally younger and had bulky disease. Micro-vessel density did not correlate with presenting disease characteristics, VEGF expression or response. The PK of bevacizumab and rituximab were not influenced by combined treatment. In this patient population, treatment with RA-CHOP did not result in any episodes of grade 3 or 4 proteinuria, heart failure or hemorrhage. The RA-CHOP combination was generally well tolerated and safe.     

肺癌患者外周血循环内皮细胞和VEGF检测临床意义的探讨

目的:探讨肺癌患者外周血循环内皮细胞(CECs)包括活性循环内皮细胞(aCECs)与VEGF之间的关系及其在肺癌中的临床意义。方法:用流式细胞仪对70例肺癌患者(NSCLC64例)化疗前后及30例健康人外周血CECs及aCECs进行检测,同时采用ELISA方法检测肺癌患者化疗前后VEGF水平。结果:NSCLC患者外周血CECs及aCECs的数量明显高于健康人群(P=0.000)。不同病理类型肺癌之间CECs及aCECs的数量差异无统计学意义(NSCLC与SCLC,P=0.878、0.936;鳞癌与腺癌,P=0.786、0.658)。CECs及aCECs的数量与VEGF之间无明显相关性(P=0.697、0.631)。治疗后不同疗效间肺癌患者VEGF水平比较,PD均高于CR+PR及SD(P=0.009、0.031)。NSCLC及SCLC化疗后aCECs的数量高于化疗前(P=0.031、0.029);SD及PD患者CECs、aCECs的数量高于化疗前(P=0.024、0.014;P=0.036、0.028);对治疗后不同疗效肺癌患者CECs及aCECs水平比较,aCECs数量PD、SD均高于CR+PR(P=0.022、0.009)。结论:VEGF联合CECs及aCECs检测可以作为很好的预测性指标评估肺癌的血管生成状况及判断预后。     

Increased levels of viable circulating endothelial cells are an indicator of progressive disease in cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: There is accumulating evidence from preclinical studies that circulating endothelial cells (CECs) play an important role in neovascularization and tumor growth. The role of CECs in human cancer progression is sparsely investigated. We therefore analyzed CECs in peripheral blood of cancer patients. In addition, we correlated CEC levels in these patients with plasma levels of cytokines that are known to mobilize CECs in experimental models. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Viable CECs were isolated, quantified and cultured from cancer patients' whole blood by using magnetic beads coupled to an antibody directed against CD146, a pan-endothelial marker. Viable cells were visualized by calceinAM staining. Positive staining for specific endothelial cell markers [i.e. von Willebrand factor, CD31, vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2] was used to confirm the endothelial phenotype. RESULTS: Cancer patients with progressive disease (95 patients) had on average 3.6-fold more CECs than healthy subjects (46 patients, P <0.001). Patients (17) with stable disease had CEC numbers equal to that circulating in healthy subjects (P = 0.69). A subset of in vitro cultured CECs incorporated into endothelial layers and formed colonies. Plasma levels of cytokines that are thought to mobilize CECs from the bone marrow [VEGF, placental growth factor, stromal cell derived factor 1alpha and stem cell factor (71 patients)] did not correlate with CEC amounts. The levels of viable CECs in cancer patients were modified by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treatment and chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: In progressive cancer patients, the amount of CECs is increased. These CECs are viable and may contribute to vessel formation. The number of CECs is influenced by anticancer treatment.     

肝细胞肝癌NTS的表达与炎症微环境形成和肿瘤上皮间质转化及预后的相关性研究

  目的  利用免疫组织化学染色法(IHC)检测肝细胞肝癌(HCC)中神经降压素(NTS)的表达，并探讨HCC中NTS/IL-8通路的激活与炎性微环境形成和肿瘤上皮间质转化(EMT)及临床预后的关系。  方法  收集本院2007年11月至2009年7月期间进行部分肝切除术后确诊为肝细胞癌(HCC)、随访资料完整的肝癌患者64例。采用IHC法检测肝癌及相应癌旁正常组织中NTS，多种炎症因子和EMT相关蛋白的表达情况，包括IL-8、VEGF、MMP-9、CD68、E-cadherin，β-Catenin和Vimentin的表达水平，并比较不同NTS表达对HCC患者总生存时间(OS)的影响。  结果  NTS在HCC中表达率为17.19%(11/64)，NTS阳性HCC标本中IL-8阳性率较NTS阴性标本明显增加(90.91% vs. 41.17%)，二者表达呈正相关(R2=0.298，P=0.006)。NTS和IL-8双阳性(NTS+ IL-8+)HCC标本中，VEGF和MMP-9表达显著增加。同时，NTS+IL-8+HCC细胞EMT特征明显，表现为E-Cadherin表达降低和Vimentin表达升高。在肿瘤中NTS和IL-8共表达与患者的临床疗效呈正相关，术后NTS+IL-8+HCC患者的死亡率比非NTS和IL-8共表达的患者高2.5倍(P=0.022)。NTS+IL-8+HCC患者的OS显著缩短[(24.65±4.45)个月vs.(75.79±16.32)个月，P=0.013)]，而死亡风险明显升高，其预期危险比(HR)为3.457。  结论  在部分HCC中存在NTS/IL-8炎症通路的异常活化，NTS的高表达与炎症微环境形成和肿瘤EMT与肝癌患者预后较差密切相关。      

Prognostic value and kinetics of circulating endothelial cells in patients with recurrent glioblastoma randomised to bevacizumab plus lomustine,bevacizumab single agent or lomustine single agent. A report from the Dutch Neuro-Oncology Group BELOB trial

Background:

Angiogenesis is crucial for glioblastoma growth, and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents are widely used in recurrent glioblastoma patients. The number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) is a surrogate marker for endothelial damage. We assessed their kinetics and explored their prognostic value in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Methods:

In this side study of the BELOB trial, 141 patients with recurrent glioblastoma were randomised to receive single-agent bevacizumab or lomustine, or bevacizumab plus lomustine. Before treatment, after 4 weeks and after 6 weeks of treatment, CECs were enumerated.

Results:

The number of CECs increased during treatment with bevacizumab plus lomustine, but not during treatment in the single-agent arms. In patients treated with lomustine single agent, higher absolute CEC numbers after 4 weeks (log₁₀CEC hazard ratio (HR) 0.41, 95% CI 0.18–0.91) and 6 weeks (log₁₀CEC HR 0.16, 95% CI 0.05–0.56) of treatment were associated with improved overall survival (OS). Absolute CEC numbers in patients receiving bevacizumab plus lomustine or bevacizumab single agent were not associated with OS.

Conclusion:

CEC numbers increased during treatment with bevacizumab plus lomustine but not during treatment with either agent alone, suggesting that this combination induced the greatest vascular damage. Although the absolute number of CECs was not associated with OS in patients treated with bevacizumab either alone or in combination, they could serve as a marker in glioblastoma patients receiving lomustine single agent.     

肝细胞肝癌组织表达IL-8对肿瘤侵袭、转移的影响

目的探讨评估肝细胞肝癌（hepatocellular carcinoma,HCC）组织中白细胞介素8（interleukin-8,IL-8）的表达及其对HCC侵袭、转移的影响。方法随机选取100例经部分肝切除术治疗的HCC患者石蜡组织切片标本,同时收集患者的临床病理资料。利用免疫组织化学方法分别检测IL-8、VEGF、基质金属蛋白酶9（matrix metalloproteinase-9,MMP-9）、分化抗原群68（cluster of differentiation 68,CD68）、CD163、CD31等炎性反应指标,Ecadherin、β-catenin等上皮间质转化（epithelial-mesenchymal transition,EMT）指标的表达。分析IL-8与临床病理指标的相关性。结果在HCC标本中,IL-8高表达（IL-8high）标本占50.0%（50/100）,其炎性反应指标的阳性率高于IL-8低表达（IL-8low）标本：VEGF（52.5%vs 32.5%,P=0.026）,MMP-9（50.3%vs 22.5%,P=0.030）。IL-8high标本中M2型肿瘤相关巨噬细胞（tumor-associated macrophages,TAMs）及微血管密度高于IL-8low标本（53.62±9.24 vs32.72±10.34,P〈0.001;34.00±16.57 vs 26.94±14.38,P〈0.001）。IL-8high标本中E-cadherin表达减少（5.0%vs15.0%,P=0.041）,β-catenin在细胞质内积聚（17.5%vs 5.0%,P=0.047）。IL-8表达与肿瘤包膜、门静脉癌栓浸润相关（P=0.031,P=0.027）。结论在HCC组织内IL-8呈高表达,与炎性相关分子和EMT分子的表达高度相关,并与HCC侵袭、转移有关。     

Serum concentrations of interleukin-8, vascular endothelial growth factor, and epidermal growth factor receptor in patients with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (SCCHN) is associated with production of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines. We hypothesized that cytokine serum levels will correlate with tumor volume and aggressiveness. We investigated interleukin-8 (IL-8), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in SCCHN. The patient population consisted of normal and irradiated controls: patients with newly diagnosed SCCHN, and patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. Pretreatment sera were studied by ELISA. Serum IL-8 levels, as opposed to VEGF or EGFR, were consistently elevated in patients with recurrent or metastatic disease. The differences in mean serum IL-8, compared to controls, were significant (p=0.02). Serum levels of IL-8 are consistently elevated in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN and elevated levels may correlate with advanced or aggressive disease. Further, more intensive, study of IL-8 as a biomarker in SCCHN is warranted.     

Zoledronic-acid-induced circulating level modifications of angiogenic factors, metalloproteinases and proinflammatory cytokines in metastatic breast cancer patients

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the modifications of circulating angiogenic factors, metalloproteinases and acute-phase cytokines after the first single zoledronic acid (ZA) intravenous infusion. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Eighteen consecutive breast cancer patients with bone metastases were evaluated for circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), interleukins 1beta, 6 and 8 (IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8), interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and transforming growth factor beta1 just before and 2 and 7 days after ZA infusion. RESULTS: The MMP-2 basal value showed a statistically significant decrease 48 h after ZA (p = 0.01), being at 7 days higher than the day 2 value (p = 0.03). The VEGF basal value showed a statistically significant decrease 48 h after ZA infusion (p = 0.03), increasing above the basal level at 7 days (p = 0.07). The bFGF basal level almost significantly decreased 2 days after infusion (p = 0.06), being at 7 days higher than the basal value (p = 0.09). Comparing the day 2 values with basal ones, the linear regression model showed a significant positive correlation between IL-8 and bFGF (p = 0.02), IL-8 and TNF-alpha (p < 0.0001), bFGF and TNF-alpha (p = 0.01), MMP-1 and TNF-alpha (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: ZA could exert an antiangiogenic activity and inhibition of tumor cell bone invasiveness by a transient reduction of VEGF, bFGF and MMP-2 circulating levels after infusion.     

Determination of Pentraxin-3, Interleukin-8 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Introduction and Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the value, in terms of diagnosis, resectability and prognosis of pentraxin-3 (PTX3), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in cases of gastric adenocarcinoma, an important condition both worldwide and in Turkey, and to determine their levels in order to contribute to elucidating the pathogenesis of the disease. Materials and Methods: Serum was separated from blood specimens collected from 45 patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma and from a 30-member healthy control group. Serum PTX3, IL-8 and VEGF levels were studied by ELISA method. Results: Serum PTX3 values differed significantly between the patient group and the control group (p <0.05). Serum IL-8 values also differed significantly between the patient group and the control group (p <0.05). A significant difference was also observed between serum VEGF values in the patient group and the control group (p <0.05). Significant correlation was determined between serum PTX3 and VEGF (p <0.01; r=0.833), between serum PTX3 and IL-8 (p <0.01; r=0.818), and between serum VEGF and IL-8 (p <0.01; r=0.803), measurements when the entire study population was evaluated irrespectively of groups. Conclusion: Serum PTX3, IL-8 and VEGF levels decreased in cases of gastric adenocarcinoma compared to the control group, and their levels affected one another.     

肝细胞癌p53和VEGF的表达及其与肿瘤血管形成的关系

目的 :研究p5 3和血管内皮生长因子 (vascularendothelialgrowthfactor ,VEGF)的表达和肿瘤微血管密度 (microvesseldensity ,MVD)测定在人肝细胞癌 (HCC)中的意义。方法 :采用免疫组织化学方法 ,检测 5 0例HCC患者手术切除标本p5 3和VEGF的表达 ,并用抗CD3 4 抗体标记癌组织血管内皮细胞 ,计算MVD。结果 :p5 3、VEGF总阳性表达率分别为 5 4 0 % (2 7 5 0 )和 76 0 % (38 5 0 ) ,p5 3、VEGF的表达和MVD均与HCC组织病理分级呈正相关 ,P <0 0 5。p5 3和VEGF的阳性表达符合率为 74 % (37 5 0 ) ,两者的表达呈相关性 ,P <0 0 5。p5 3阳性和VEGF阳性的癌组织MVD分别为 178± 6 2和 175±5 9 ,而相应的阴性组分别为 12 5± 5 1和 131± 6 1,两者差异有显著意义 ,P <0 0 5。p5 3、VEGF表达均为阳性者 ,MVD为 176± 6 3;p5 3、VEGF的表达均为阴性者 ,MVD为 12 3± 5 2 ;两者差异有显著意义 ,P <0 0 5。结论 :1)p5 3、VEGF的表达以及MVD的测定可作为判断HCC恶性潜能的重要生物学指标 ;2 )p5 3、VEGF的表达对肿瘤血管形成可能起重要作用 ,联合检测p5 3、VEGF的表达对了解肿瘤血管形成的机制有一定意义