Relevance of circulating cell adhesion molecules ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin and Fibronectin in serum of patients with bladder cancer in correlation to tumor stage and metastasis

Cellular adhesion molecules (CAM) are involved in tumor progression, invasion and metastasis. To evaluate the role of CAM in patients with bladder cancer, we examined the serum levels of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-Selectin and fibronectin by specific ELISA tests and correlated the results to tumor stage. Median levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. were found to be significantly elevated in metastatic tumor disease, as well as VCAM-1 was elevated in patients with locally advanced bladder cancer and/or lymphatic spread. Elevated serum ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels correlated to tumor burden. The data demonstrate that ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 play a role in bladder cancer metastasis. VCAM-1 is tumor stage dependent elevated in patients with locally advanced tumor and/or lymphogenous spread and could serve as a prognostic mark er.