Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels correlate with number and location of micrometastases in a murine model of uveal melanoma

BackgroundA preliminary animal study was performed to determine if hepatic micrometastases from uveal melanoma secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that is measurable in serum.MethodsWe analysed the serum of a C57Bl/6 mouse model of uveal melanoma (n=10) at days 4, 7, 14 and 21 post-inoculation for VEGF levels. We compared the serum VEGF levels with the number and location of hepatic micrometastases and their respective expression of VEGF mRNA.ResultsSerum VEGF levels rose after inoculation of C57Bl/6 mice eyes with B16LS9 cutaneous melanoma cells. Beginning on day 14 there was a statistically significant (p