Assessment of HB-EGF Levels in Peritoneal Fluid and Serum of Ovarian Cancer Patients using ELISA

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 mu g/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.