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Inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor by octreotide in colorectal cancer patients
S Cascinu1, E Del Ferro, M Ligi
1Sezione di Oncologia Sperimentale, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedale S. Salvatore, 61100 Pesaro, Italy. cascinu@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be essential for angiogenesis and for the growth of colorectal cancer; thus its inhibition can arrest tumor growth and decrease metastatic potential. Octreotide has been shown to inhibit growth of colorectal tumors in vitro and in vivo. Part of the antiproliferative activity of octreotide could be related to its antiangiogenic properties. Effects of octreotide on VEGF expression were evaluated in 35 patients with operable colorectal cancer receiving octreotide for 2 weeks before surgery. Tissue VEGF expression and serum VEGF concentrations were determined before and after treatment with octreotide. There was a statistically significant reduction in the tissue VEGF expression both considering the percentage of VEGF positive cells (P = 0.006) and the intensity of VEGF staining (P = 0.003). A similar significant reduction was observed in serum values of VEGF (P = 0.03). The present study indicates that octreotide inhibits expression of VEGF in colorectal cancer patients, and, furthermore, that serum VEGF expression correlates with tissue VEGF, representing a safe method to monitor the activity of antiangiogenic agents.
Insights
Octreotide significantly reduces vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in colorectal cancer patients. This suggests octreotide
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Vascular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for angiogenesis and colorectal cancer progression.
- Octreotide demonstrates antiproliferative effects on colorectal tumors, potentially via antiangiogenic mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of octreotide on VEGF expression in patients with operable colorectal cancer.
- To determine if serum VEGF levels correlate with tissue VEGF expression as a marker for antiangiogenic therapy.
Main Methods:
- 35 patients with operable colorectal cancer received octreotide for two weeks pre-surgery.
- Tissue and serum VEGF expression levels were measured before and after octreotide treatment.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in tissue VEGF expression was observed (percentage of positive cells P=0.006; staining intensity P=0.003).
- Serum VEGF concentrations also showed a significant reduction (P=0.03).
- Serum VEGF levels correlated with tissue VEGF expression.
Conclusions:
- Octreotide effectively inhibits VEGF expression in colorectal cancer patients.
- Serum VEGF serves as a reliable indicator for monitoring the efficacy of antiangiogenic agents like octreotide.
