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A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Published on: March 15, 2016

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Risk factors of atherosclerosis during systemic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor

Hana Študentová1, Jarmila Indráková2, Pavla Petrová3

  • 1Department of Oncology, Palacký University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Olomouc 775 20, Czech Republic.

Oncology Letters
|February 20, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted therapy accelerates atherosclerosis, indicated by increased intima-media thickness (IMT). This therapy also impacts atherosclerosis risk factors and can lead to myocardial ischemia.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for angiogenesis.
  • Anti-VEGF therapies are used in cancer treatment but can have cardiovascular side effects.
  • Atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of anti-VEGF therapy on intima-media thickness (IMT) and myocardial perfusion.
  • To assess changes in laboratory risk factors for atherosclerosis during anti-VEGF treatment.
  • To determine if anti-VEGF therapy accelerates atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 58 patients with metastatic colorectal or renal cell carcinoma undergoing anti-VEGF therapy.
  • Measured IMT, myocardial perfusion, and laboratory risk factors before and during treatment at 3-month intervals.
  • Monitored blood pressure, troponin T, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine levels.

Main Results:

  • Intima-media thickness (IMT) consistently increased during anti-VEGF therapy compared to pretreatment levels.
  • Transient increases in blood pressure and troponin T were observed.
  • Changes in lipid profiles and inflammatory markers included increased HDL cholesterol and decreased C-reactive protein and homocysteine.
  • Novel myocardial ischemia was identified in some patients.

Conclusions:

  • Anti-VEGF therapy is associated with an acceleration of atherosclerosis, evidenced by increased IMT.
  • The therapy alters various laboratory risk factors for atherosclerosis.
  • Clinical monitoring for cardiovascular complications is warranted in patients receiving anti-VEGF treatment.

Keywords:
atherosclerosisbiomarkersintima-media thicknesssingle-photon emission computed tomography

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