[Steroid-binding protein levels in breast cancer patients]

Blood levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), transcortin and pregnancy-related alpha2-glycoprotein (PalphaGP) were assayed using commercial kits for alpha-protein analysis in 223 breast cancer patients and 180 healthy women. Elevated concentration of SHBG was characteristic of both the luteal stage of menstrual cycle and menopause. It occurred chiefly in patients under 59 whereas at older age no differences from control were observed. Blood- transcortin in tumor patients was significantly lower than in control; conversely, PalphaGP concentration was higher irrespective of age. Since steroid-binding protein levels in the blood of breast cancer patients appeared to differ from those in healthy women, relevant data should be considered when hormone-metabolic status of reproductive and menopausal patients is identified.