Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endostatin in human metastatic liver tumors.

Objective: Angiogenic factors are related to the malignant potential of tumors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of serum angiogenic factors to liver metastasis.

Methods: The serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor and endostatin were measured using EIA in 25 patients with metastatic liver tumors and were compared with those of 12 cancer patients without metastasis and 15 controls.

Results: The serum vascular endothelial growth factor concentration was significantly higher in the liver metastasis group (503 +/- 84 pg/mL) than in the no metastasis group (205 +/- 38 pg/mL) and the control group (201 +/- 26 pg/mL). The three groups had similar serum basic fibroblast growth factor concentrations. There was no significant difference in serum levels of endostatin among the liver metastasis group (18.8 +/- 1.5 ng/mL), the no metastasis group (23.9 +/- 4.9 ng/mL), and the control group (17.1 +/- 1.5 ng/mL).

Conclusions: Angiogenic response is more prominent than anti-angiogenic responses in liver metastasis. These findings support the rationale for anti-angiogenesis therapy such as endostatin therapy in patients with liver metastasis.