CODE: 8.3 - Value of serum and urine concentrations of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Tissue Polypeptide Antygen (TPA) in patients with superficial bladder cancer treated with BCG immunotherapy
Article published in Urologia Polska 2006/59/Suplement 1.

authors

Bartosz Małkiewicz ¹, Anna Kołodziej ¹, Romuald Zdrojowy ¹, Janusz Dembowski ¹, Paweł Sedlaczek ², Michał Wróbel ¹, Tomasz Szydełko ¹, Jerzy Lorenz ¹

¹ Katedra i Klinika Urologii i Onkologii Urologicznej AM we Wrocławiu
² Katedra i Zakład Immunologii AM we Wrocławiu

summary

Introduction. Heterogeneity of group of superficial bladder tumors, results from variable biology of these tumors, which results in different course of disease and prognosis. Lack of capability of determination of course of disease on the base of tumor stage (Ta, T1), makes necessity of search of additional factors, which allow for optimalization of management. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), main angiogenic factor and Tissue Polypeptide Antigen, which is a marker of high cell proliferation, were analysed.

Objectives. The aim of this work is to compare urine and serum VEGF and TPA concentrations in patients with superficial bladder cancer treated by TURB and BCG immunotherapy. Correlations with stage, grade and clinical follow-up were analyzed.

Materials and methods. Material consists of urine and serum samples taken from 66 patients with superficial bladder cancer and 14 healthy volunteers. Serum and urine samples were taken before transurethral resection (TURB). VEGF and TPA concentrations were measured by ELISA.

Results. Both, VEGF and TPA serum concentrations didn't differ between patients and healthy volunteers, and among tumors of various stage and grade. There was no difference between patients with disease recurrence and progression during follow up (mean 50 months) in comparison to patients without recurrence and without progression respectively. Urinary levels of VEGF and TPA were significantly higher in bladder cancer patients then in healthy controls. They were higher in patients with tumor of higher stage and grade. Significantly higher VEGF and TPA concentrations were identified in patients with future disease recurrence or progression.

Conclusions. Superficial bladder cancers are very inhomogeneous group. Urinary VEGF levels may be a valuable marker of high-risk patients, who needs exact follow-up and aggressive treatment.