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Summary
Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) levels showed no significant difference between cancer patients and healthy individuals. However, elevated LAP scores may indicate the presence of distant metastases in malignant diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) is an enzyme found in white blood cells.
- Its diagnostic utility in various malignant diseases requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic value of LAP levels in patients with malignant diseases.
- To determine if LAP activity correlates with the presence of metastases.
Main Methods:
- LAP scores were measured in 183 patients with malignancies and 71 healthy controls.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare LAP levels between groups and subgroups.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in median LAP scores was observed between cancer patients and controls.
- Hodgkin's disease patients showed significantly higher median LAP scores (p < 0.001).
- Patients with distant metastases exhibited higher LAP levels compared to those without (p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- LAP has limited diagnostic value for general malignancies.
- Elevated LAP activity may serve as an indicator of distant metastases in cancer patients.