Serum levels of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor, and c-erbB2 in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate serum levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor α (TGF-α), and c-erbB2 in patients with ovarian cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, the study and control groups were composed of 43 women with a prediagnosis of ovarian cancer and 43 healthy women, respectively. Blood samples from all women were obtained and studied by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits for EGF, TGF-α, and c-erbB2. After surgery of the study group, ovarian cancer was confirmed and compared with control group. Stage, grade, and histological types were defined after histopathologic examination, and subgroups were constructed and compared. RESULTS: Serum EGF, TGF-α, and c-erbB2 levels were significantly increased in study group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no differences in serum levels of EGF, TGF-α, and c-erbB2 among all stages, grades, and histological types of ovarian cancer. If 47.90 pg/mL was selected as the cutoff value, EGF has an 80% sensitivity and a 65% specificity for detecting ovarian cancer. The cutoff value of 41,095.00 pg/mL for TGF-α has a 90% sensitivity and a 72% specificity for detecting ovarian cancer. The c-erbB2 level of 4.63 pg/mL as the cutoff value has an 83% sensitivity and a 76% specificity for predicting ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of EGF, TGF-α, and c-erbB2 may be used for diagnosing ovarian cancer.

Recurrent implantation failure is more frequently seen in female patients with poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the characteristics and results of patients who suffer from recurrent implantation failure (RIF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross sectional study, a total of 2183 cases who were evaluated retrospectively at the Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gyneacology, IVF unit between 2000-2007. According to the data gathered, we included 1822 cases in this study. We compared 185 patients with RIF to 1637 women without RIF. RESULTS: Pregnancy was achieved by 589 couples out of 1822 (32%). The implantation rate was 10%, which declined to 5.8% after the fourth attempt. In the RIF group, patients' mean age was higher and there were more overweight women, the duration of fertility was longer, day 3 follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) levels and the total gonadotropin dose administered were higher, mean level of Estradiol (E2) on the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) day was lower, and the mean level of progesterone on the hCG day was elevated compared to the non-RIF group. Although the comparison of MII oocyte number was not significant, the mean number of fertilized oocytes was found to be significant in favor of the non-RIF group. The endometrial thicknesses were found to be similar for both groups. Comparison of sperm motility and morphology were statistically significant in favor of the RIF group. CONCLUSION: In our study, we have found that the group with RIF were comprised of patients with poor prognosis who were older, overweight, had a longer infertility duration, a higher FSH level, and needed more gonadotropin doses in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH). Sperm motility and morphology were better in the RIF group compared to the non-RIF group, and multiple pregnancy rates were lower in RIF patients.