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Quantification of angiogenesis stimulators in children with solid malignancies.
H Pavlakovic1, V Von Schütz, J Rössler
1Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital, University of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany.
International Journal of Cancer
|May 8, 2001
Summary
Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is elevated in children with solid tumors and may aid in monitoring treatment response. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) showed no significant elevation in body fluids.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cancer Biology
- Angiogenesis Research
Background:
- Humoral angiogenesis stimulators like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are linked to adult solid tumor development.
- The role of these stimulators in pediatric solid malignancies remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if VEGF and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) are elevated in body fluids of children with solid malignancies.
- To determine if elevated levels correlate with clinical parameters and therapeutic response.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to quantify serum and urine VEGF and bFGF levels.
- Samples were collected from healthy children and children with solid malignancies.
- Pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic levels were compared.
Main Results:
- Serum VEGF was significantly elevated in children with various solid tumors, including Ewing's sarcoma and medulloblastoma.
- Serum bFGF, urinary bFGF, and urinary VEGF did not show significant elevations.
- Successful therapy led to a decrease in elevated serum VEGF levels.
Conclusions:
- VEGF may play a role in the progression of pediatric solid tumors.
- Serum VEGF levels can potentially serve as a biomarker for monitoring therapeutic response in pediatric cancer.
- Assessing angiogenesis stimulators might identify candidates for anti-angiogenic therapies.