Prognostic and Predictive Role of Angiogenic Markers in Non- Small Cell Lung Cancer

Objective: Despite the existence of detailed consensus guidelines, challenges remain regarding the role angiogeneticfactors on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study was conducted to determine the role of the vascular endothelialgrowth factor (VEGF), interleukin-8 (IL-8) and angiopoietin2 (Ang2) in patients with NSCLC. Methods: This studyincluded 64 consecutive patients with non-small cell lung cancer, who admitted to clinic. Pre-treatment serum VEGF, IL-8and Ang2 levels were evaluated. Patients were treated according to internationally accepted guidelines. Results: VEGFand IL-8 serum levels of patients with both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma were significantly higherthan controls (p<0.05). In addition, IL-8 levels were lower among treatment-responders than non-responders (p:0.031).Impact of elevated or decreased levels of VEGF, Ang2 and IL-8 on survival was evaluated, accepting median level asreference. There was no correlation between the serum levels of VEGF, Ang2, IL-8 and survival. Conclusion: We foundthat the levels of angiogenic markers were significantly different between non-small cell lung cancer patients andcontrols. These markers could elicit more information related to stage and prognosis.