VEGFA and hepatocellular carcinoma: These findings are further supported by the work of Musolino et al21who showed that increased plasma VEGF levels were seen in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms who had had a thrombotic event within the preceding month, and by the work of Li et al9who also showed that the presence of portal vein thrombosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma was associated with a higher plasma VEGF level.