Serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 levels in patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer.

Aim: Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we quantified the serum vascular endothelial growth factor-3 (VEGFR-3) expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) to evaluate the role of VEGFR-3 in ESCC.

Materials And Methods: Ninety five patients with ESCC were studied. Pre-therapy and preoperative samples were stored and ELISA was used to designate the concentrations of VEGFR-3.

Results: The serum values of VEGFR-3 were significantly higher in patients with ESCC than in healthy donors (p<0.0001).

Conclusions: The results imply a very good sensitivity of VEGFR-3 in ESCC. VEGFR-3 may be a good diagnostic biomarker for ESCC.

Key Words: Biomarker, ESCC, VEGFR-3.