Similar Trends in Serum VEGF-D Levels and Kidney Angiomyolipoma Responses with Longer Duration Sirolimus Treatment in Adults with Tuberous Sclerosis

Authors: Izabela A. Malinowska, Nancy Lee, Vidhya Kumar, Elizabeth A. Thiele, David Neal Franz, Stephen Ashwal, Arthur Sagalowsky, Francis J. DiMario, Drew Cutler, Darcy Krueger, Susana Camposano, Jan Paolini, Sandra L. Dabora

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0056199

Abstract Summary

Study finds serum VEGF-D levels may serve as a biomarker for monitoring tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) kidney disease treatment. In a 24-month trial, TSC patients continuing sirolimus showed 67% decrease in VEGF-D vs only 13% in those who stopped after 12 months (p=0.013).

Why Brain? 🧠

Serum VEGF-D levels mirror kidney tumor responses to sirolimus treatment in tuberous sclerosis patients, suggesting this blood marker could help doctors monitor treatment effectiveness.

The image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes only. Courtesy of Midjourney.