Evaluation of VEGF-A in relation to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (in Basrah/Iraq)

Background: Cancer angiogenesis demonstrates an important role in the progression and pathogenesis of blood malignant disorders including acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A is one of the most effective elements of endothelial cell growth; it promotes vascular permeability of endothelial cells and provides the new vasculature with oxygen and nutrients. Higher VEGF-A levels in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with poorer patient outcomes. Aim of the study: to assess the level of VEGF-A in plasma of children with ALL. Subject and method: Forty children with ALL and 40 healthy children as control were enrolled in this study conducted at the Oncology Unit in Basrah Children’s Hospital from Oct 2019 to March 2020. Plasma VEGF-A level was evaluated using ELISA assay. Results: The plasma level of VEGF-A is higher in ALL children than those in the control (p < 0.001). Moreover, the plasma VEGF-A level in the high-risk group (HRG) is higher than that in the standard risk group (SRG). Conclusion: The significantly higher level of plasma VEGF-A in ALL children compared to the healthy ones may demonstrate the role of VEGF-A in stimulating angiogenesis in pediatric ALL. Keywords: Angiogenesis, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic risk groups.