Serum levels of LDH and Gamma GT in Libyan Breast Cancer patients

Background: Carcinoma breast is a major health problem in Libya particularly among the younger women. It is necessary to ascertain the prognostic and diagnostic markers of breast cancer and alteration of enzyme markers in breast cancer can be a supporting guide for its prognosis and treatment outcomes. Studies have shown a posi- tive correlation of serum LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) and GGT( gamma glutamyl transpeptidase) levels with carcinoma breast. The present study is undertaken to observe any alterations in the levels of LDH and GGT in patients suffering from carcinoma breast in a small population in Libya. Methods: 40 patients in the age group ranging from 16 to 65 years in various stages of breast cancer have been selected from the department of surgery, 7th October hospital, Benghazi, Libya during the years 2009 and 2010. 38 healthy controls in the age group of 20 to 55 years with mean age of 35 years were selected at random at the similar time period. Out of the 40 cases of carcinoma of breast, 25 cases were premenopausal and 15 post-menopausal. The cut off age was taken as 47 to demarcate between both the groups, selecting the group less than 47 years as premenopausal and 47 and above as postmenopausal group. Serum LDH and GGT estimation was performed on these patients as well as on the healthy controls after an overnight fast. Results: Serum LDH is elevated significantly in carcinoma of breast when compared with the control group among both pre - menopausal and postmenopausal women (p= 0.0001). Between the two groups, postmenopausal women had significantly higher levels of LDH than premenopausal (p= 0.0234). Serum GGT was significantly higher in cases when compared to the controls (p= 0.006) and statistically more significant in Premenopausal women (p= 0.0059) than that of the postmenopausal women. Conclusion: An elevation of LDH and GGT levels in cases of carcinoma breast in our study signifies its importance as a mark - er of the disease. A serial measurement of these enzymes will have a prognostic significance and help treatment decisions.