Association between Pretreatment Levels of Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Survival Outcomes in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer Patients

Abstract

Objective : To evaluate the association between pretreatment levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and long-term treatment outcomes in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). Methods : Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with LACC (stage IIB-IVA) and obtain ing blood for serum VEGF were identified. All patients received complete treatment as radical radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy. Surveillance for all patients was every 3 months during the first 2 years, and every 6 months later. Results: Mean age of 39 patients was 52.3 ± 10.8 years old . Twenty-three patients (59.0%) had stage IIB, and 16 patients (41.0%) had stage IIIB. Histological cell type was mostly squamous cell carcinoma (89.7%). The median and 75 th percentile level of serum VEGF were 610.2 pg/ml (0.0 - 4067.2 pg/ml) and 825.6 pg/ml, respectively. At median follow-up of 37.0 months (range, 26.8 - 46.3 months), the 3-year OS rate was 78.6%. Clinical stage (p = 0.04) and 75 th percentile of VEGF level (p = 0.04) were impacted on OS in univariable analysis. The 3-year OS of patients in stage IIB with serum VEGF of ≤825.6 pg/ml and of > 825.6 pg/ml was slightly different , 94.4% and 80.0% respectively (p = 0.34), whereas there w ere many difference s in stage IIIB , 71.4% and 25.0% in patients with serum VEGF of ≤ 825.6 pg/ml and of >825.6 pg/ml respectively (p = 0.05). Conclusion : High pretreatment serum VEGF level has an influence on OS for LACC. It is potentially used as a predictive factor, especially in patients stage IIIB, in order to provide efficient treatment and improve survival outcomes in the future.