GASTRIN-LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH COLORECTAL-CANCER

Background/Aims: In view of previous studies showing gastrin 's trophi c effects on tumor growth, the authors decided to investigate the rela tionship between fasting serum gastrin levels and the presence of colo rectal carcinoma. Methodology: Fifty-eight patients were studied: 19 c ontrols who were blood bank donors, 19 patients with colorectal neopla sms, Dukes' Stage B or C, and 20 patients with advanced colorectal neo plasms (Dukes Stage D). Pre-surgical and post-surgical serum gastrin b evels were compared in patients with colorectal neoplasms (Dukes' Stag e B or C). Results: The mean serum gastrin level was 32.3pg/ml for the control group, 52.1 pg/ml for the second group and 49.5pg/ml for the third group. There were no differences between, patients before and af ter surgery. Conclusion: These results do not confirm the hypothesis t hat gastrin levels are elevated in colorectal cancer patients.