Ectopic hormones secretion in cases of copd and cancer lung is it an index for malignant potential?

ABSTRACT

This work was undertaken to study the level of peptide hormones [ACTH, aldosterone and parathormone] in patients with lung cancer and different stages of COPD since lung cancers are the most common tumour associated with ectopic production of peptide hormones. Peptide production may be better correlated with the state of tumour differentiation than with the tumour mass, but changes in peptide concentration can signale changes in tumour metabolism or malignant potential. Results revealed an increase in the level of parathormone and ACTH while the level of aldosterone was decreased in about 10% of patients of lung cancer. The changes in hormone level were marked in smoker than non smoker which may be due to tobacco metabolites that alter oncogens and tumor suppression genes. The increase in hormones level occur also in cases of COPD and this increase was directly proportional with the stage of COPD and degree of malignancy. SO these cases of COPD with a high level of hormones considered potential for malignant transformation. Also there was an increase in calcium level in most of patients as a consequence of increase in parathormone. So All signs and symptoms of hormononal disturbance or electrolyte imbalance in cases of COPD should be taken with caustion as an alarming sign for malignancy