[Value of the determination of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase in the detection of hepatic metastases of bronch-pulmonary cancers]

Abstract

The authors have dosed gamma glutamyl transpeptidase in 42 patients with primary bronchopulmonary cancer, of whom 14 had liver metastases. In these 14 patients the level of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase was always high, except in 1 case; while in the remaining lot, a moderate and mostly belated increase was noticed in only 32 percent of cases. The dosing of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase present some interest in the detection of liver metastases in primary bronchopulmonary cancers, specially when coupled with the dosing of alcaline phosphatase. Interpretation of results should take into account the existence of an associated liver-gall bladder involvement and of a recent surgical operation; both factors being capable of raising the level of gamma glutamyl transpeptidase.