The significance of PDGF expression in serum of colorectal carcinoma patients--correlation with Duke's classification. Can PDGF become a potential biomarker?

BACKGROUND: The expression of serum angiogenic factors has been associated with tumor dissemination and poor prognosis in multiple cancer types. However, it is still unclear whether these angiogenic molecules can be used as an independent molecular marker or in correlation with other parameters for predicting the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC)patients. METHODS: Protein expression was evaluated in 28 CRC and 10 control cases using Angiogenesis Fast Quant technology. RESULTS: In this study, we found downregulation of PDGF-bb protein expression in the serum of patients with colorectal cancer compared with the control group. Thus, PDGF-bb might play an essential function in the progression of CRC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that the PDGF-bb protein expression might be an independent prognostic marker or in association with other parameters for CRC patients.