Expression and significance of serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy

Objective To investigate the expression and significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)in patients with non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)undergoing radiotherapy,and to explore the relationship between VEGF levels and efficacy of radiotherapy.Methods Serum level of VEGF was determined by sandwich enzyme linked immuno-adsorbent assay (ELISA)in 35 patients with NSCLC and 21 healthy controls.Results Serum level of VEGF in patients with NSCLC was significantly higher than that in controls before radiotherapy (P 0.05),and was significantly decreased after radiotherapy(P 0.05).23 cases had no recurrence 3 months after radiotherapy,and the serum level of VEGF had been restored to the normal level(P 0.05)after and 3 months after radiotherapy.10 cases had recurrence after radiotherapy,and the serum level of VEGF was significantly decreased(P 0.05),and was significantly different from that in non-relapse group(P 0.05).3 months after radiotherapy,serum level of VEGF was restored to the level before radiotherapy(P 0.05),and was significantly different from that in non-relapse group.Conclusion Serum level of VEGF is significantly increased in patients with NSCLC,and is decreased after radiotherapy,and is closely related to disease progression,which could be used as a complementary diagnostic and prognostic value of reference.