Plasma prostaglandins in lung cancer.
Hendrick AM., Mitchell MD., Harris AL.
Plasma levels of three stable prostaglandin (PG) metabolites were measured in 29 patients with lung cancer. The mean level of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, the hydrolysis product of prostacyclin, was significantly elevated in cancer patients compared to a control group with non-malignant respiratory disorders, although an overlap in values between the groups was seen. Levels correlated inversely with survival and showed a significant fall in 14 patients with tumour regression. The mean level of 11-deoxy-3,14-dihydro-15-keto-11,16-cyclo-prostaglandin E2 was also significantly elevated in cancer patients, but did not correlate with tumour response. 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto prostaglandin F2 alpha levels did not differ in lung cancer patients and controls. Contrary to previous reports we could not support a role for the metabolites of PGE2 and PGF2 alpha as tumour markers in lung cancer but plasma 6-keto-PGF1 alpha should be further evaluated in this regard.