Comparison of VEGF, IL-8 and β-FGF concentrations in the serum and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer

Abstract

Abstract Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of cancer death from gynecological malignancies. Angiogenesis is considered essential for tumor growth and the development of metastases. VEGF, IL−8, β-FGF are potent angiostimulatory molecules and their expression has been demonstrated in many solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of VEGF, IL−8 and β-FGF in the serum and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. VEGF, IL−8, β-FGF concentrations were measured by ELISA (Quantikine R&D). The median VEGF, IL−8 and β-FGF levels were significantly higher in the ascites than sera of ovarian cancer patient. VEGF, IL−8, β-FGF levels in ascites might be regarded as an additional tool in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer.