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 p rognostic value in different malignant tumors. The prognostic potential of serum concentrations of these markers is less clear and was investigated. P atients and Methods: The response to 2(nd) 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 ev aluated using multiple CA 125 determinations and including these values in a simple and comprehensive formula. Results: Correlations were observed bet ween VEGF and CA 125, HER-2 (inversely) as well as PAI-1,and between uPA an d PAI-1. However; no marker showed a significant relation to the overall su rvival of patients, no, to treatment response. Conclusions. Serum levels of uPA, PAI-I, HER-2 and VEGF do not have enough predictive potential in recu rrent ovarian cancer, Most likely additional sources contribute to the seru m levels of the markers studied so that their levels are not only tumor spe cific.