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Clinical study on increased serum thyroxine-binding globulin in cancerous state
Endocrinologia Japonica
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Cancer patients can exhibit elevated serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) levels, potentially serving as a tumor marker. This increase, observed in approximately 4.7% of cases, may correlate with disease progression or remission.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) is the primary carrier protein for thyroid hormones in the blood.
- Alterations in TBG levels can affect thyroid hormone availability and thyroid function tests.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of elevated serum TBG in cancer patients.
- To explore the potential of increased serum TBG as a tumor marker.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was used to measure serum TBG levels in 169 cancer patients.
- Patient data including cancer type, treatment, liver function, and estrogen levels were collected.
Main Results:
- Eleven out of 169 patients (approximately 6.5%) displayed high serum TBG levels (>35 micrograms/ml).
- Of these, 8 patients had normal liver function and estrogen levels, suggesting an unknown mechanism linked to cancer.
- Elevated TBG levels often persisted until near death or normalized after tumor removal.
Conclusions:
- Cancer is occasionally associated with increased serum TBG levels.
- The exact mechanism for elevated TBG in cancer remains unclear but warrants further investigation.
- Increased serum TBG may hold significance as a potential tumor marker in certain cancer patients.