CATHEPSIN-B IN PREDICTING THE EXTENT OF THE CERVIX CARCINOMA

The value of cathepsin B activity in determining the extent of disease was investigated in 106 patients with carcinoma of the cervix uteri a nd in 20 women with dysplasia of the cervix uteri. The measurements of serum and tumor cathepsin B activity were performed before treatment. The levels of cathepsin B were estimated by direct fluorimetric assay based on the use of 2-Phe-Arg-NMec as a substrate. The results show t hat the mean serum and tumor activity of this enzyme increase with pro gression of neoplastic disease and was closely dependent on clinical s tage of cervical carcinoma. Also, we found higher serum and tumor leve ls of cathepsin B activities in patients with clinical early disease ( FIGO Stage Ib and IIa) in whom metastases to pelvic lymph nodes were d etected than in patients with disease limited to the cervix uteri (p < 0.001, t-test). Enhanced activity of cathepsin B was observed in 64% of patients with cervical carcinoma.