Elevated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor is effective as a marker for malnutrition and inflammation in patients with ovarian cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) reportedly plays an important role in the progression of malignant neoplasms. In the present study, measured serum concentrations of VEGF were measured in patients with ovarian cancer and correlations with nutritional damage and chronic inflammation were analyzed. A significant increase in serum levels in patients compared to healthy volunteers was observed. Levels of VEGF were inversely correlated with serum concentrations of prealbumin, transferrin and retinol-binding protein. VEGF levels were also correlated with serum levels of c-reactive protein (CRP), an effective marker of inflammation. CRP levels were significantly elevated in patients with stage III and IV disease and inversely correlated with serum concentrations of total protein, prealbumin, transferrin and retinol-binding protein. These results demonstrated that an increased production of VEGF correlated with nutritional impairment and inflammation.