Investigation of women with endometrial carcinoma using serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measurement

This study assessed whether serum VEGF measurement in women presenting with endometrial cancer could pre-diet advanced stage disease. Preoperative ser a from 37 women undergoing laparotomy for suspected endometrial cancer were assayed for VEGF, CA125 and platelet count. Significant positive correlati on was shown between VEGF and platelet levels (P = 0.003, r = 0.477). Howev er, no correlation was demonstrated between VEGF and stage overall, and no significant difference was shown between those with early (stage 1A/1B, n = 20) compared to those with advanced (stage >1B, n = 13) or disseminated (s tage >2, n = 7) disease. Serum VEGF measurement was not beneficial in the p reoperative assessment of stage in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Str ong correlation with platelet levels suggests that this is one of the sourc es of VEGF measured.