Neoplasma Vol.59, No.4, p.433-439, 2012

The mechanisms by which vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) contribute to lung cancer growth have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess the role of VEGF and sICAM-1 in control of pleural effusions (PE) and survival in patients with primary human lung adenocarcinoma.
Using enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay, the concentrations of VEGF and sICAM-1 were measured in pleural effusions and serum from a total of 79 lung adenocarcinoma patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) and 24 patients with tuberculosis. Data were correlated with the efficacy of MPE control and survival.
Compared to patients with tuberculosis, the levels of VEGF and sICAM-1 in both PE and serum were significantly higher in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Statistically significant correlation was observed between PE VEGF levels and MPE control. PE VEGF≥2760 pg/ml was used as a cut-off point for failure to MPE control (odds ratio=7.06; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.40-20.78; P<0.001).

The median progression-free survival (PFS) from response assessment was 3 months. In a multivariate analysis, PE VEGF (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02-1.32), serum sICAM-1 (HR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.17-3.07) were confirmed as independent prognostic factors for PFS.
The levels of VEGF in PE can be used to predict the therapeutic efficacy in the control of MPE and this, together with serum level of sICAM-1 is potential survival factors in lung adenocarcinoma patients with MPE.