Fig. (2) Behavior of VEGF in a patient with POEMS syndrome (case report 3). The induction treatment lead to the resolution of symptomswith stabilization of the disease and decrease of VEGF levels. The attempt at stem cell harvest, however, was unsuccessful (twice in a 2 month period), the recovery period being followed by the reactivation of the disease, together with an increase of VEGF. The second line treatment stabilized the disease with normalization of VEGF levels. These findings suggest that the levels of VEGF might reflect the activity and response of POEMS syndrome to the treatment. VEGF – vascular endothelial growth factor. HD + CFA – high dosed chemotherapy and mobilization by cyclophosphamide. Dotted line – upper limit for normal VEGF levels (707ng/L).