Serum amylase is a sensitive tumor marker for amylase-producing small cell lung cancer?

Abstract

A 68-year-old male smoker was diagnosed as having amylase-producing small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The serum amylase level was elevated, at 1756 IU/l, and the isozyme pattern was salivary type. Serum levels of "the tumor markers" CEA and NSE were 10.0 ng/ml and 22.6 ng/ml, respectively, but the level of pro-GRP was within the normal range. He was treated with combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and irinotecan. After completion of the chemotherapy, the serum amylase level decreased below the cutoff range and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed marked reductions of the tumor in the primary site and in the lymph node metastasis. In November 2003, he was noted to have a slightly raised amylase level, of 168 IU/l, and raised levels of tumor markers. At this time, a CT scan, bone scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain demonstrated no recurrence. However, in December, MRI of the brain showed multiple metastases, and the recurrence of SCLC was thus confirmed. For the treatment of disease progression, the same regimen of chemotherapy as that given initially was administered. CT imaging revealed a partial response in the primary site and lymph node metastasis, and the serum amylase level decreased to 91 IU/l. After the completion of the second chemotherapy regimen, he underwent cranial irradiation and further chemotherapy. However, unfortunately, he died owing to deterioration of lung cancer. In this patient, the serum amylase level was found to be a highly sensitive marker of lung cancer.

Significance of serum butyrylcholinesterase levels in oral cancer

“…16 Biochemical changes in the tissue provide a better understanding of the chemical processes responsible for malignancy. In this regard, many studies have shown 14,[17][18][19][20][21] serum alkaline phosphate, serum amylase, serum lactate dehydrogenase, CEA, serum calcium, serum magnesium, serum copper, serum zinc, and the copper/zinc ratio in various malignancies as possible diagnostic and prognostic biochemical markers OSCC is relatively common and represents a public health problem. Its early detection helps to provide a good quality of life for patients.…”

Amylase-Producing Lung Cancer with a Positive Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation Treated With Gefitinib: A Case Report

“…The clinical usefulness of hyperamylasemia as a tumor marker is controversial. The amylase levels detected in tumor tissues of some patients did not correlate with hyperamylasemia [ 6 , 13 ]; however, serum amylase levels served as a clinically useful tumor marker for other patients [ 14 , 15 ]. In our case, amylase levels reflected tumor status and were more useful than CEA, conventional tumor markers, at least during first- and second-line chemotherapies.…”

Hyperamylasaemia and dual paraneoplastic syndromes in small cell lung cancer

“…Similarly, in previous cases when signs of a relapse appeared, the serum amylase level again rose subtly in comparison to other tumour markers. [21][22][23] Minami et al 13 and Kitazawa et al 24 reported the serum amylase levels to be a potentially useful tumour marker for both the diagnosis of lung cancer and the follow-up. On the other hand, Uno et al 25 reported that the serum amylase levels were not associated with the severity of the disease.…”