ATRIAL-NATRIURETIC-FACTOR IN GYNECOLOGIC MALIGNANCY

Objective: To determine whether plasma atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) levels are different in patients with gynecologic malignancy compared with those in healthy, nonpregnant women, and if differences do exist , whether chemotherapy plays a role. Methods: We compared the plasma l evels of ANF in nonpregnant women free of malignancy (group 1, n = 25) and in patients with malignancy receiving at least one course of plat inum-based chemotherapy (group 2, n = 32). To differentiate the contri butory role of chemotherapy, another group of patients (group 3, n = 1 8) was studied before the initiation of chemotherapy. Results: The ANF values (mean +/- standard error [SE]) in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7.3 +/- 0.3, 13.8 +/- 0.8, and 14.6 +/- 1.8 fmol/mL of plasma, respectivel y. Significant differences (P less than or equal to .001) occurred bet ween groups 1 and 2 and 1 and 3, but not between 2 and 3, In comparing groups 2 and 3 for a specific type of cancer, there were no significa nt differences. The respective values (mean +/- SE) for endometrial, o varian, and cervical cancer before chemotherapy were 9.9 +/- 1.7, 15.0 5 +/- 2.6, and 18.5 +/- 4.3 fmol/mL. After chemotherapy, the values re mained at 9.3 +/- 1.5, 15.03 +/- 1.06, and 14.6 +/- 2.2 fmol/mL, respe ctively. Conclusion: Plasma ANF levels in gynecologic cancer patients were significantly higher than those in healthy, nonpregnant women. Le vels were higher before chemotherapy started, thus negating the idea t hat chemotherapy may initiate the production and release of ANF.