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Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology
Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 7/2020

Open Access 01-07-2020 | Tissue Plasminogen Activator | Original Article – Cancer Research

Prognostic significance of VEGF and components of the plasminogen activator system in endometrial cancer

Authors: Karin Abbink, Petra L. M. Zusterzeel, Anneke Geurts-Moespot, Rob van der Steen, Paul. N. Span, Fred C. G. J. Sweep

Published in: Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology | Issue 7/2020

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Abstract

Objective

The plasminogen activator system (PAS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important in the carcinogenesis and play a key role in cancer invasion and mediating metastasis of carcinomas. The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation of serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS with clinicopathological risk factors and outcome in patients with endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

Preoperative blood was collected from 173 patients treated for EC between 1999 and 2009. Serum concentrations of VEGF, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and -2 (PAI-2) were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).

Results

Serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS were significantly associated with stage of the disease, tumor histology, tumor grade, myometrial invasion (MI), presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and lymph node metastases (LNM). Preoperative serum levels of PAI-1 and -2 and tPA were higher in patients who experienced a recurrence than in patients who remained disease free (p < 0.01). PAI-1 and -2 and tPA were significantly independent prognostic factors for DFS with a HR of 3.85 (95% CI 1.84–8.07), 3.90 (95% CI 1.75–8.66) and 2.53 (95% CI 1.16–5.55), respectively. PAI-1 and tPA turned out to be independent prognostic factors for OS, with a HR of 2.09 (95% CI 1.08–4.05) and 2.16 (95% CI 1.06–4.44), respectively.

Conclusion

Serum levels of VEGF and components of the PAS at primary diagnosis were associated with well-known clinicopathological risk factors such as; FIGO stage, tumor histology, tumor grade, MI, LVSI and LNM. High concentrations of PAI-1 and-2 and tPA are independent factors for poor prognosis in patients with endometrial cancer.
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Metadata
Title
Prognostic significance of VEGF and components of the plasminogen activator system in endometrial cancer
Authors
Karin Abbink
Petra L. M. Zusterzeel
Anneke Geurts-Moespot
Rob van der Steen
Paul. N. Span
Fred C. G. J. Sweep
Publication date
01-07-2020
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology / Issue 7/2020
Print ISSN: 0171-5216
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1335
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-020-03225-7

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