Serum VEGF Level is Associated with the Outcome of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: a Meta-analysis

Overview

Journal Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr

Publisher AME Publishing Company

Date 2014 Feb 27

PMID 24570945

Citations 30

Authors

Ping Zhan

Qian Qian

Li-Ke Yu

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumor that expresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Various studies have evaluated the prognostic value of VEGF levels in HCC, but yielded conflicting results.

Methods: Electronic databases updated to June 2013 were searched to find relevant studies. A meta-analysis was conducted with eligible studies which quantitatively evaluated the relationship between serum VEGF level and survival of patients with HCC. Survival data were aggregated and quantitatively analyzed.

Results: We performed a meta-analysis of 11 studies that evaluated the correlation between serum VEGF level and survival in patients with HCC. Combined hazard ratios suggested that serum VEGF level had an unfavorable impact on overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR) =1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.46-2.30], and disease free survival (DFS) (HR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.55-2.98) in patients with HCC. No significant heterogeneity was observed among all studies.

Conclusions: Serum high VEGF level indicates a poor prognosis for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

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