The second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (Smac/DIABLO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and survivin are known to play a significant role in the growth and development of numerous tumors. Serum concentrations of VEGF, survivin, and Smac/DIABLO were analyzed in 92 patients with serous ovarian cancer and 94 healthy controls. Values were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes. The median pretreatment serum VEGF and survivin levels in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma were significantly higher, while Smac/DIABLO levels were significantly lower than that in healthy controls. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the best cutoff point for VEGF was determined to be 345 pg/ml; with 83 % sensitivity and 65 % specificity. For survivin, the cutoff point was 110 pg/ml and for Smac/DIABLO was 75 pg/ml, with 82 and 62 % sensitivity and 43 and 87 % specificity, respectively. In the patients group, higher VEGF and survivin levels and lower Smac/DIABLO levels in sera were significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Preoperative measurement of serum VEGF, survivin, and Smac/DIABLO may be of help in early detection of serous ovarian cancer and may provide important information about the patient's outcome and prognosis.