Are basic fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor prognostic indicators in pediatric patients with malignant solid tumors?

Angiogenesis plays an important role in the growth, progression, and metastasis of solid tumors. Among angiogenic factors, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appear to be useful markers in adults with cancer. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the levels of VEGF in serum and bFGF in serum and urine of children with solid tumor at diagnosis (as measured by ELISA), and to investigate whether these parameters provide prognostic information.