Preoperative level of VEGF and IL-6 are associated with lymph node invasion and stage in gastric cancer

4626 Introduction: Angiogenesis plays an important role in growth, progression, and metastasis of tumors, and various cytokines are associated with the spread of cancer cell. In this study, we evaluate the role of VEGF and IL-6 in predicting the spread of gastric cancer. Methods: Preoperative one hundred twenty seven gastric cancer patients and 88 healthy subjects’ specimens were examined. The association of VEGF and IL-6 level with clinical and pathological findings was evaluated Results: Serum VEGF and IL-6 level in gastric cancer patients were higher than those in control (P<0.001, P=0.006, respectively). VEGF and IL-6 level were associated with presence of LN metastasis (P=0.003, P=0.041, respectively). IL-6 level was correlated with stage (P=0.012) and depth of invasion (P=0.018). VEGF level was correlated with invasion of lympho-vascular structure (P=0.021). VEGF and IL-6 level was not related to differentiation, size or CEA level. Conclusions: Serum VEGF and IL-6 levels in gastric cancer patients are higher than those in control. Preoperative VEGF and IL-6 levels could be a predictive marker of tumor invasion and LN metastasis. No significant financial relationships to disclose.