Combined Ang-2 and VEGF serum levels: holding hands as a new integral biomarker in non-small-cell lung cancers

摘要

Aim: Evaluate if serum levels of VEGF and Ang-2 are correlated in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) and its implications in the diagnostic and prognostic of the disease. Patients & methods: Unselected cohort of 145 NSCLC patients and 30 control individuals. The serum levels of Ang-2 and VEGF of each patient were measured by ELISA prior to treatment. Results & conclusions: Serum levels of Ang-2 and VEGF are correlated (p < 0.0001). High serum levels of Ang-2 and VEGF isolated and both combined (high(Ang-2/VEGF)) correlate with likelihood of presenting NSCLC (p = 0.016; p = 0.003; p < 0.0001, respectively). Serum levels of Ang-2 and high(Ang-2/VEGF) but not VEGF alone are independent prognostic factors (p = 0.001; p = 0.619; p = 0.005). High(Ang-2/VEGF) serum levels could be exploited as a new valuable integral biomarker in NSCLC.