[VEGF and survival of patients with lung cancer: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis].

Fiche publication


Date publication

octobre 2002

Journal

Revue des maladies respiratoires

Auteurs

Membres identifiés du Cancéropôle Est :
Pr MASCAUX Céline


Tous les auteurs :
Delmotte P, Martin B, Paesmans M, Berghmans T, Mascaux C, Meert AP, Steels E, Verdebout JM, Lafitte JJ, Sculier JP

Résumé

The process of angiogenesis is an important factor in tumour development. One of the principal factors implicated in this process is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which induces, among other things, an increase in vascular permeability. We have undertaken a systematic review of the English and French literature in order to clarify its effect on the survival of patients with small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) lung cancer. To be eligible studies had to deal with the the evaluation of VEGF or its receptors in lung cancer and describe the relationship of their expression to survival. The survival figures were subject to meta-analysis after a methodological evaluation by means of a specific numerical scale evaluating the design of the study, the methodology (including laboratory techniques), and the analysis of results. Among the 20 studies selected 15 identified VEGF expression, using univariate analysis, as a statistically significant indicator of poor prognosis. 17 reported sufficient data to allow aggregation of the survival figures, of which 15 were devoted to NSCLC (1,549 patients). The median overall methodological score was 48.3% (range 21.8-72.4%), without significant difference (p=0.63) between studies eligible or non-eligible for meta-analysis. The meta-analysis, using the authors' threshold of positivity for VEGF, showed that VEGF is an unfavourable prognostic factor in NSCLC (HR=1.48; 95% confidence interval 1.27-1.72). The data were insufficient to determine the prognostic value of VEGF in SCLC and that of its two receptors Flt-1 and KDR, with 1, 2 and 1 published studies respectively. In conclusion the expression of VEGF in MSCLC is a factor indicating a poor prognosis.

Mots clés

Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung, blood supply, Carcinoma, Small Cell, blood supply, Endothelial Growth Factors, pharmacology, Humans, Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins, pharmacology, Lung Neoplasms, blood supply, Lymphokines, pharmacology, Neovascularization, Pathologic, Prognosis, Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, physiology, Survival, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Référence

Rev Mal Respir. 2002 Oct;19(5 Pt 1):577-84