Purpose: Platelet-derived growth factor-BB plays a role in the development of vascular and lymphatic vessels in tumors. In this study plasma levels of platelet-derived growth factor-BB were assessed preoperatively in patients with adenomas and colorectal cancer to determine whether platelet-derived growth factor-BB is a useful marker or prognostic indicator.
Methods: Patients with adenomas and colorectal cancer undergoing resection were assessed. Clinical and pathologic data and preoperative blood samples were collected. Plasma platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels (median, 95 percent confidence interval for median) were determined and the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis.
Results: One hundred seventy-nine patients were studied (91 with colorectal cancer, 88 with adenomas). Preoperative colorectal cancer platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels were higher (1,771.1 pg/ml; confidence intervals, 1,429-2,065) than in the benign neoplasm group (1083 pg/ml; confidence intervals, 933-1,192, P < 0.001). In patients with colorectal cancer, a direct relationship was noted between platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels and disease severity. Despite the increase in platelet-derived growth factor-BB noted with increasing stage, the differences between the Stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 groups were not significant.
Conclusion: Platelet-derived growth factor-BB levels were greater in patients with colorectal cancer (vs. patients with adenoma) and rose with increasing disease severity. Unfortunately, however, the modest differences between categories do not permit accurate stage determination.