Endotheliale Progenitorzellen im Vollblut von Lungenkarzinompatienten

Abstract

Aim: The role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) for the vascularization of small cell and nonsmall cell lung cancer (SCLC and NSCLC) is widely unknown. We correlated the concentration of circulating EPCs with tumor stage and disease progression. Methods: Thirty-six lung cancer patients and 15 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Quantification of EPCs in the mononuclear cell fraction (PBMC) was performed via 4-colour FACS analysis using the expression of CD133, CD34, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR2) as markers. Results: A significant increase of EPC concentrations was found in all patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.01). Regarding tumor stage, NSCLC-patients with UICC III-IV had significantly higher EPC counts than UICC I-IIB patients (p < 0.05). The concentration of EPCs correlated with levels of plasma VEGF (r = 0.42, p < 0.01). At follow-up measurements, levels of EPC’s were found significantly higher in patients with tumor progression in comparison to patients with their disease controlled. The change in EPC concentration between both assessments was significantly correlated with the time to the endpoint (progression or death, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In lung cancer patients, concentrations of circulating EPCs were linked to the stage and status of disease. Further work is required establish EPCs as a monitoring tool for the success of classical and/or targeted therapy.