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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:25
A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
VEGF and prostatic cancer: a systematic review
Francisco Botelho1, Francisco Pina, Nuno Lunet
1Department of Urology, Hospital de S. João, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. francisco.botelho@gmail.com
Summary
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plasma levels may indicate prostate cancer. However, serum VEGF levels are not reliable for distinguishing benign prostate conditions from malignant disease in high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is implicated in prostate cancer development.
- Elevated VEGF blood concentration may reflect prostatic tumor production.
- VEGF is a potential tumor marker for prostate cancer detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review evidence on the role of VEGF blood concentration in prostate cancer detection.
- To evaluate VEGF as a potential biomarker for differentiating prostate cancer from benign conditions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, SCOPUS, and LILACS up to January 2010.
- Review of published studies correlating serum or plasma VEGF levels with prostate cancer status.
- Analysis of VEGF levels in patients with localized prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- Three studies reported significantly higher plasma VEGF levels in localized prostate cancer patients compared to healthy controls.
- Two studies indicated higher serum VEGF levels in prostate cancer patients versus those with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
- Serum VEGF levels did not significantly differentiate between localized prostate cancer and controls with high risk and negative biopsy.
Conclusions:
- Elevated plasma VEGF levels are associated with prostate cancer compared to healthy individuals.
- Serum VEGF is not a reliable marker for distinguishing benign prostatic disease from prostate cancer, especially in high-risk individuals.
- Further research may be needed to clarify the role of VEGF in prostate cancer diagnostics.
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