Study of the expression of serum vascular endothelial growth factor in non-small cell lung cancer

Objective:To explore the correlation of the serum vascular endothelial growth factor with the effect, histological classification, TNM stage of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods:Serum samples were obtained from NSCLC patients treated with chemotherapy in cancer center of central hospital of wafangdian from Jan 2005 to Dec 2006 before treatment and two cycles after treatment. The serum samples from healthy donors were used as controls. The concentration of VEGF in serum was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA). Two courses of combined chemotherapy with vinorelbine and cisplatin were given. The difference in S-VEGF level between NSCLC patients and healthy donors and the changes in S-VEGF level before and after chemotherapy were observed and its correlation with histological classification, TNM stage of NSCLC was analyzed. Results:S-VEGF level was significantly higher in NSCLC patients than healthy controls [(736.16±34.67)pg/ml and (197.22±36.40)pg/ml, P0.01]. Chemotherapy significantly reduced S-VEGF level (P0.01). S-VEGF level before and after treatment were (736.16±34.67)pg/ml and (406.14±56.24)pg/ml. The serum levels of VEGF in pretreatment NSCLC patients were closely related to the TNM stages. The serum concentration of VEGF in stage Ⅲ and stage Ⅳ was 695.50±30.30 and 815.95±36.85. Conclusion:S-VEGF level is higher in the NSCLC patients than healthy controls. Chemotherapy could reduce S-VEGF level in NSCLC. The difference of S-VEGF level before treatment may be related to the TNM-stages of NSCLC.