Basic fibroblast growth factor is present in cultured human retinoblastoma cells.

Cultured human retinoblastoma cells express the basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) gene and they produce material similar, if not identical, to bFGF. The retinoblastoma-derived bFGF can stimulate the proliferation of capillary endothelial cells and this process is inhibited by anti-bFGF antibodies. It is conceivable that the retinoblastoma-derived bFGF contributes to the neovascularization of retinoblastomas.