Increased plasma-6-oxo-PGF1-alpha but normal PGI2 half-life in patients with maxillo-facial tumors

In 56 patients with histologically verified maxillo-facial cancer the plasma 6-oxo-PGF1-alpha was determined prior surgery using a specific RIA and the double antibody technique. Furthermore, the half-life of synthetic PGI2 has been assessed via the disappearance curve of biological activity on platelet aggregation inhibition. Part of the patients has been monitored by the same test different time intervals after radical surgery. Normal values of 6-oxo-PGF1-alpha amount below 1 pg/ml. - normal half-life of PGI2 in plasma in-vitro about 10 minutes. Prior surgery a significantly increased 6-oxo-PGF1-alpha can be seen, whereas the PGI2 half-life is unaffected. In patients without local or general recurrence normal 6-oxo-PGF1-alpha levels are monitored. No change occurred in the half-life of PGI2. These findings underline the additive value of 6-oxo-PGF1-alpha as a tumor marker. The data do not support the view presented earlier, that a change in plasmatic PGI2 half-life might favour the onset and the extent of recurrence at least in patients suffering on maxillo-facial cancer.