VEGF expression in ovarian cancer
Correlation between ascites volume and VEGF expression10
In a murine model, a positive correlation was observed between ascites volume and VEGF levels in ascitic fluid. In this same study, a correlation was also observed between ascites volume and tumour burden.
Adapted with permission from Belotti D, Paganoni P, Manenti L, et al. Cancer Res 2003;63:5224–9.
Early in tumourigenesis, the previously highly maintained balance of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors that regulate normal ovarian function is tipped, with the downregulation of anti-angiogenic signalling and the upregulation of pro-angiogenic growth factors.5 Although VEGF is expressed in healthy ovaries, it is overexpressed in ovarian cancer.2,6,8 VEGF expression is hypothesised to mediate multiple functional and structural characteristics of the disease.1
In one preclinical model, tumour xenographs overexpressing VEGF-A formed larger cysts lined with tumour cells relative to xenographs that weakly expressed VEGF-A.6 In another study that examined gonadotropin levels, elevated levels of luteinising hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone increased VEGF expression and significantly contributed to the angiogenic potential of ovarian carcinomas.9
The growth of ovarian tumour cells is supplied by ascites, and ascites accumulation is associated with progression.4,10 Experimental models have demonstrated a positive correlation between ascites volume and VEGF expression.10
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