Assessment of HB-EGF levels in peritoneal fluid and serum of ovarian cancer patients using ELISA.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a rational target for ovarian cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to examine HB-EGF levels in the peritoneal fluid and serum of ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Samples were collected from six healthy women, 21 OVCA patients, and 21 ovarian cyst patients. HB-EGF levels were measured using a sandwich ELISA kit and calculated using a parallel line assay. RESULTS: No significant difference between the slopes of the standard and sample curves was observed at an anti-HB-EGF antibody concentration of 1.6 mug/ml. HB-EGF levels in the peritoneal fluid and serum of OVCA patients were significantly higher than those in patients with ovarian cysts or controls. Serum HB-EGF levels were also significantly correlated with levels in peritoneal fluid in OVCA patients. CONCLUSION: We developed an assay for the exact measurement of HB-EGF levels in peritoneal fluid and serum.