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Thromb Haemost 1989; 61(02): 318-321
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1646584
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

In Vivo Measurements of Fibrin Formation and Fibrinolysis in Operable Breast Cancer

P McCulloch
The Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary and Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
,
J Douglas
The Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary and Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
,
G D O Lowe
The Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary and Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
,
G Murray
The Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary and Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
,
W D George
The Department of Surgery, Western Infirmary and Department of Medicine, Royal Infirmary, University of Glasgow, UK
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 11 July 1988

Accepted after revision 16 January 1989

Publication Date:
30 June 2018 (online)

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Summary

Fibrin formation and fibrinolysis were estimated in 89 breast cancer patients by measurement in plasma of Fibrin Fragment Bβ 15-42 and Fibrinopeptide A (FPA), serum Fibrin(ogen) Degradation Products (FDPs) and plasminogen activator by Fibrin Plate Lysis Assay. Results were compared with (a) 26 patients with benign breast diseases; and (b) 45 healthy factory workers. FPA, FDP and Bβ 15-42 Levels were elevated in both breast cancer patients and benign disease patients, but there were no significant differences between these two groups. Cancer stage, patient age and smoking habits did not affect these results, but Oestrogen Receptor (ER) positive patients had higher Bβ 15-42 values than ER negative patients (p = 0.017). These results show that fibrin formation is enhanced preoperatively in patients with either benign or malignant breast disease. The fibrinolytic response to activated coagulation may be relatively deficient in breast cancer. The roles of malignancy, stress and other factors in the causation of these abnormalities require further assessment.

Keywords

Breast cancer - Haemostasis - Fragment Bβ 15-42 - Fibrinopeptide A
 

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