Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
Pleural effusion VEGF levels as a prognostic factor of malignant pleural mesothelioma
Noriko Hirayama1, Chiharu Tabata, Rie Tabata
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, 1-1 Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Hyogo 663 8501, Japan.
Background:
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignant tumor of mesothelial origin associated with asbestos exposure. MPM has a limited response to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy so early diagnosis of MPM is very important. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen for the vascular endothelium, is also known to be an autocrine growth factor for MPM. Here, we investigated the pleural effusion VEGF levels in patients with MPM and compared them to those of a population with a non-malignant pleuritis or lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion.
Methods:
The pleural effusion VEGF concentrations were measured in 46 MPM patients and 45 individuals with non-MPM individuals (25 individuals with non-malignant pleural effusions, and 20 individuals with lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion).
Results:
We demonstrated that patients with MPM had significantly higher pleural effusion VEGF levels than a population with non-malignant pleuritis or lung cancer involving malignant pleural effusion, and the patients with advanced stage MPM showed higher levels of VEGF than the early stage MPM patients. The difference in overall survival between the groups with pleural effusion VEGF levels lower and higher than the assumed cut-off of 2000pg/ml was significant.
Conclusions:
Our data suggest that the pleural effusion VEGF concentration could be useful as an aid for the diagnosis of MPM and as a prognostic factor.
Insights
Elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in pleural fluid aids in diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Higher VEGF levels correlate with advanced MPM and reduced survival, indicating its prognostic value.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure.
- Limited efficacy of conventional treatments necessitates early diagnosis.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts as an autocrine growth factor in MPM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate pleural effusion VEGF levels in MPM patients.
- To compare VEGF levels between MPM and non-MPM conditions (non-malignant pleuritis, lung cancer with malignant pleural effusion).
Main Methods:
- Measurement of VEGF concentrations in pleural effusion samples.
- Study included 46 MPM patients and 45 non-MPM individuals.
Main Results:
- MPM patients exhibited significantly higher pleural effusion VEGF levels compared to non-MPM groups.
- Advanced stage MPM patients showed higher VEGF levels than early stage patients.
- A significant difference in overall survival was observed based on VEGF levels (cut-off 2000pg/ml).
Conclusions:
- Pleural effusion VEGF concentration may serve as a diagnostic aid for MPM.
- VEGF levels show potential as a prognostic factor in MPM.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply