Prognostic role of vascular endothelial growth factor in hepatocellular carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascular tumour that expresses vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Various studies have evaluated the prognostic value of VEGF levels in HCC. Its overall test performance remains unclear, however. The aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of prognostic cohort studies evaluating the use of VEGF as a predictor of survival in patients with treated HCC. Eligible studies were identified through multiple search strategies. Studies were assessed for quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Tool. Data were collected comparing disease-free and overall survival in patients with high VEGF levels as compared to those with low levels. Studies were pooled and summary hazard ratios were calculated. A total of 16 studies were included for meta-analysis (8 for tissue and 8 for serum). Methodological analysis indicated a trend for higher study quality with serum studies as compared to tissue-based investigations. Four distinct groups were pooled for analysis: tissue overall survival (n = 251), tissue disease-free survival (n = 413), serum overall survival (n = 579), and serum disease-free survival (n = 439). High tissue VEGF levels predicted poor overall (HR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.26-3.68) and disease-free (HR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.23-2.33) survival. Similarly, high serum VEGF levels predicted poor overall (HR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.80-3.07) and disease-free (HR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.76-3.16) survival. A high degree of inter-study consistency was present in three of four groups analysed. Tissue and serum VEGF levels appear to have significant predictive ability for estimating overall survival in HCC and may be useful for defining prognosis in HCC.