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
