SERUM AND TISSUE-LEVELS OF MANGANESE SUPEROXIDE-DISMUTASE IN TESTICULAR GERM-CELL TUMORS

Objective: To investigate the potential of manganese superoxide dismut ase (MnSOD) as a tumor marker for seminoma. Materials: A total of 44 p atients with testicular germ cell tumors were assessed for serum and t issue levels of MnSOD in comparison with levels of placental alkaline phosphatase (FLAP). Results: Positive rates of serum MnSOD were 11% fo r stage I, 25% for stage II and 80% for stage III. No difference was o bserved in serum MnSOD between seminoma and NSGCT. No difference was d emonstrated in tissue MnSOD level between seminoma and NSGCT, or betwe en tumors and their normal counterparts. Conclusion: Since serum MnSOD was shown to have lower sensitivity than FLAP, and MnSOD concentratio n did not differ significantly between tumors and their normal counter parts, the role of MnSOD as a marker for seminoma appears to be limite d.