Y. Nakayama et al., Relationship between plasma levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and serum levels of interleukin-12 in patients with colorectal cancer, ANTICANC R, 20(6A), 2000, pp. 4097-4102
Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is thought to be the
most potent angiogenic factor in the numerous malignant tumors and a progno
stic indicator for cancer patients, Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a heterodimer
ic cytokine that has potent anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities. Rece
ntly, it has been suggested that IL-12 regulates VEGF in a murine breast ca
ncer model. Materials and Methods. Blood from 26 patients with colorectal c
ancer was obtained prior to surgery. Plasma levels of VEGF and serum levels
of IL,-12 were assessed using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay
technique. We investigated the preoperative relationships between plasma l
evels of VEGF, serum levels of IL,-12 and clinicopathological factors in pa
tients with colorectal cancer. Results. Although not statistically signific
antly, high plasma levels of VEGF ann low serum levels of IL,-12 tended to
occur with more advanced colorectal cancer. Plasma levels of VEGF in patien
ts who had circumferential involvement of the tumor greater than 1/2 were o
nly significantly increased. The preoperative relationship between plasma l
evels of VEGF and serum levels of IL,-12 tended to be negatively correlated
Conclusion: These results suggest that high plasma levels of IL-12 or low
serum levels of IL,-12 may be observed in more advanced colorectal cancer p
atients. Thus, these patients may require additional immunochemotherapy aft
er surgery. IL,-12 may regulate VEGF in the patients diagnosed with colorec
tal cancer.