Article
Glioblastoma Multiforme: Correlation of dynamic MRI and Growth Factor Expression
Wachstumsfaktorprofile in unterschiedlich perfundierten Tumorarealen
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Authors
Published: | April 23, 2004 |
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Outline
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Objective
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is characterized by its high angiogenic activity initiated by the expression of angiogenic cytokines. Knowledge about the contribution of cytokines to an increased angiogenic activity is still incomplete. We therefore sought to assess quantitative levels of angiogenic cytokines in low and highly vascularized tumor areas.
Methods
In 8 GBM patients a dynamic MRI was performed pre-operatively to obtain perfusion data, and matched with the 3D-neuronavigation data by image fusion to allow the removal of tumor areas with different vascularization. These specimen were analyzed for the quantitative expression of different angiogenic cytokines (VEGF, HGF, bFGF, PDGF-Ab, PDGF-BB, EGF, GM-CSF and G-CSF, Il-6, Il-8, Il-10, TGFβ-1, and TGFβ-2) by sandwich ELISA.
Results
Among the cytokines analyzed VEGF, HGF, bFGF and Il-6 not only showed the highest levels, but also augmented levels in highly vascularized tumor areas in 3/8 GBM. In 4/8 GBM at least two of these cytokines presented with an increased expression in highly perfused tumor areas. Regarding the other cytokines analyzed, quantitative levels did not differ between tumor areas with different tumor vascularization.
Conclusions
Thus, we demonstrate for primary GBM that the enhanced expression of VEGF, HGF, bFGF and / or Il-6 correlates with an augmented tumor perfusion as evidenced by dynamic MRI. This supports the idea of monitoring anti-angiogenic therapies in GBM patients by this non-invasive method.