A scientific basis to determine the best paliative treatment for malignant pleural effusion

Results We found a 2.5 times increase in VEGF levels in the serum when performing a CP and a less than 25% increase of its original value in MP group. The average serum level of VEGF before receiving CP was 458.65 ng/ml (172-702 ng/ml) and was elevated to a mean level of 1197.65ng/ml (406-2011ng/ml). In the MP group same results for serum VEGF were found 517.55 ng/ml (73-976 ng/ml) and 632.24 ng/ml (111 – 1136 ng/ml). Peak levels were noted between 24 and 48 hours after performing pleurodesis. Of the GF secreted, particularly VEGF was present in excess. Serum VEGF could be the cause of some of the side effects we are faced with when performing CP. The relationship between the released GF in MP is somewhat different. Namely, it has less influence on serum VEGF levels. We also believe that a proteoglycan bound FGF which is found in basal membrane might be the key to an effective pleurodesis.