VEGF
Overview
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) measures circulating levels of this family of signaling proteins that stimulate angiogenesis, vascular permeability, and endothelial cell growth. VEGF-A, the predominant isoform, binds VEGFR-2 receptors promoting tumor vascularization and pathological neovascularization. Elevated levels indicate cancer progression, retinopathy, or inflammatory conditions, while low levels lack established clinical significance; primarily useful in oncology research for monitoring anti-angiogenic therapy response and as prognostic biomarker in solid tumors, though routine clinical measurement limited by assay variability.
Clinical Use Cases
- Monitoring bevacizumab/anti-VEGF therapy efficacy in cancer.
- Research prognostic marker in colorectal, lung, renal cell carcinoma.
- Assessing diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration activity.
- Investigating preeclampsia placental angiogenesis.
- Evaluating wound healing impairment.
Specimen Types
- Serum.
- Plasma (EDTA, heparin, or citrate).
- Cell culture supernatant.
Measurement Methods
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Multiplex bead immunoassays.
- Electrochemiluminescent immunoassay.
Test Preparation and Influencing Factors
- No fasting required.
- Platelets major source; use platelet-poor plasma.
- Inflammation, hypoxia, growth factors elevate levels.
- Anti-angiogenic therapy rapidly decreases circulating VEGF.
- Sample processing critical: immediate centrifugation, freeze at -80°C.
Synonyms
- Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A).
- VPF (vascular permeability factor).