Predictive value of uPA, PAI-1, HER-2 and VEGF in the serum of ovarian cancer patients.

BACKGROUND

Tissue levels of uPA, PAI-1, HER-2 and VEGF are known to have prognostic value in different malignant tumors. The prognostic potential of serum concentrations of these markers is less clear and was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The response to 2nd line chemotherapy was studied in 61 patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Marker analyses were performed using specific and sensitive ELISA tests and the response to therapy was evaluated using multiple CA 125 determinations and including these values in a simple and comprehensive formula.

RESULTS

Correlations were observed between VEGF and CA 125, HER-2 (inversely) as well as PAI-1, and between uPA and PAI-1. However, no marker showed a significant relation to the overall survival of patients, nor to treatment response.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum levels of uPA, PAI-1, HER-2 and VEGF do not have enough predictive potential in recurrent ovarian cancer. Most likely additional sources contribute to the serum levels of the markers studied so that their levels are not only tumor specific.