Prognostic relevance of serum levels of the angiogenic peptide bFGF in advanced carcinoma of the head and neck treated by primary radiochemotherapy

Background. The objective of this trial was to analyze the prognostic relev ance of the angiogenic peptides basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), vasc ular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP- 2) in the serum of patients with advanced carcinoma of the head and neck tr eated by primary radiochemotherapy. Methods. From 1992 to 1995, 26 patients with advanced head and neck cancer (25 stage IV, 1 stage III UICC) were treated according to the protocol of r adiochemotherapy with carboplatin. The pretreatment serum levels VEGF, bFGF , and MMP-2 were measured by ELISA, and data were correlated with tumor cha racteristics and followed up (median time of follow vp, 60 months). Results. An increase in bFGF serum level above the upper limit of normal co ntrols showed a significant correlation with shorter time the of locoregion al control (p = .036). In covariant analysis bFGF serum concentration prove d to be independent of other prognostic factors like tumor site, age, total tumor volume, and response to therapy. No prognostic relevance of VEGF and MMP-2 serum levels could be determined. Conclusions. The results of this pilot study indicate that the serum concen tration of bFGF has prognostic relevance for advanced head and neck cancer. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.