ALTERATIONS IN SERUM GLYCOSYLTRANSFERASES AND 5'-NUCLEOTIDASE IN BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS

  • 1 January 1978
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 38  (3) , 723-728
Abstract
Sialyltransferase, galactosyltransferase and fucosyltransferase as well as 5''-nucleotidase in the serum of breast cancer patients. Serum sialyltransferase values in 65 normal healthy females ranged from 2.6-8.5 units, with a mean of 5.4. In 25 women with operable primary breast cancer, serum sialyltransferase levels were between 6.2 and 15.4 units. Marked elevation of this enzyme level (range, 8.8-36 units) was observed in 48 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Galactosyltransferase and fucosyltransferase measurements showed considerable overlap between the controls and cancer patients. Serum 5-nucleotidase and sialyltransferase in breast cancer patients showed similar patterns. Serum 5''-nucleotidase values in 44 normal females ranged from 11.4-23.2 units, whereas the levels found in 30 patients with metastases were between 25 and 71.8 units. The tissue origin of abnormal levels of serum glycosyltransferases and 5''-nucleotidase was discussed in relation to their physiological significance as well as their role as markers for diagnosing early malignant breast neoplasms and monitoring the extent of metastases.