Assessment of plasma von Willebrand factor antigen in non-metastatic prostate cancer patients: a cross-sectional study of the Sudanese population

Abstract

Backgrounds: Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is reportedly the most common inherited bleeding disorder and can also arise as an acquired syndrome (AVWS). These disorders arise due to defects and/or deficiency of the plasma protein von Willebrand factor (VWF). High plasma VWF concentrations have been reported in patients with various types of cancer, such as prostatic cancer. Metastasization may be associated with activation of hemostatic processes resulting in increased levels of circulating factor VIII-related antigen (FVIIIRAg) (von Willebrand factor antigen).

Objective: To evaluate the status of VWF antigen in Sudanese patients with prostate cancer attending RICK hospital.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in Khartoum state at Khartoum oncology (RICK) hospital, during the period from April to June 2018, 45 samples were collected from patients with non-metastatic CA prostate, their ages ranged from 51 to 82 yr. The VWF level was measured using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were analyzed by the statistical package for social science (SPSS).

Results: Serology for VWF antigen was done for 45 cases of prostate cancer. According to the age, 2 (8%) patients with age 51–66 yr had a high concentration of VWF, while 24 (92%) had normal VWF antigen concentration; of those with age 67–82 yr, 4 (21%) had high VWF antigen and 15 (79%) had normal antigen.

Conclusion: The study revealed that more than 80% of Sudanese patients with nonmetastatic prostate cancer have a normal concentration of VWF.

Keywords: VWF, prostate cancer, age, ELISA