Angiogenic peptides in prostatic disease

Objective To determine the value of measuring serum concentrations of vascu lar endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bF GF) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), advanced and local ized prostate cancer, and thus assess the role of angiogenesis factors as m arkers of malignancy and the formation of metastasis. Patients and methods Serum was obtained from 106 suitable patients who atte nded a routine clinic during the study period. A histological diagnosis was confirmed for each patient and a bone scan was positive in those with meta static disease. The level of serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) was meas ured and the serum concentrations of VEGF and bFGF measured using a quantit ative sandwich immunoassay technique. Results There was a significant difference (1.6-fold) in the serum concentr ation of bFGF between patients with local and advanced prostate cancer (P=0 .006), but there was no significant difference for either of the growth fac tors between patients with BPH and metastatic prostate cancer (Mann-Whitney test). Conclusion The serum levels of VEGF and bFGF could not be used to distingui sh benign from malignant prostatic disease; the serum PSA level is of more value than either, but the serum concentration of bFGF may be of some value in differentiating patients with local and advanced malignancy.