A Study of Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) Levels and Other Biomarkers in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: Implications for Prognosis and Monitoring

Abeer Erfan; Emad Yousif; Ahmed Alshanon; Muna Bufaroosha; Husnun Amalia; Yudhisman Imran; Nany Hairunisa; Raghda Alsayed

doi:10.47419/bjbabs.v7i2.451

Authors

Abeer Erfan Department of Biology, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad 64021, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0001-6798-4265
Emad Yousif Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad 64021, Iraq
Ahmed Alshanon Center of Biotechnology Researches, University of Al-Nahrain, Baghdad, Iraq
Muna Bufaroosha Department of Chemistry, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al-Ain 1818, UAE
Husnun Amalia Department of Ophthalmology, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia
Yudhisman Imran Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, 11440 Jakarta, Indonesia
Nany Hairunisa Department of Occupational Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia
Raghda Alsayed Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad 64021, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47419/bjbabs.v7i2.451

Keywords:

breast cancer, chemotherapy response, Iraqi patients, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prognostic biomarker

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer, after lung cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, making early diagnosis and continuous treatment crucial. This study evaluated the levels of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme and other biochemical parameters in post-operative chemotherapy in Iraqi women diagnosed with breast cancer. This study highlights the potential use of LDH as a biomarker for monitoring treatment response, rather than being limited to its traditional diagnostic role.
Objective: To assess the prognostic value of serum LDH along with other biochemical markers, such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl⁻), kidney functions (urea and creatinine), and prolactin hormone.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 serum samples collected from 100 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer (after surgery and during chemotherapy) and 50 age matched healthy women, aged 26–60 years, as a control group. The samples were collected at Al-Amal National Hospital for Cancer Management, Medical City, Baghdad, Iraq, from July 2021 to October 2021. All biochemical parameters (LDH, ALP, ALT, AST, Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻, urea,\ creatinine, and prolactin) were measured in the hospital laboratory using standard automated biochemical analyzers and commercially available diagnostic kits.
Results: LDH activity was significantly elevated in breast cancer patients, highlighting its potential as an early prognostic marker for progression or recurrence of disease. Renal function tests (urea and creatinine) and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were significantly higher in patients, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Electrolytes, specifically K⁺ and Cl⁻, were elevated (P < 0.05), while Na⁺ showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Levels of ALP were not significantly different between patients and controls (P > 0.05). Level of prolactin hormone was also significantly higher in patients (P < 0.05) than in controls. These findings underscore LDH as a central prognostic marker, with other biochemical parameters providing supportive information on patient status.
Conclusion: Elevated serum LDH levels in breast cancer patients may serve as an early prognostic marker for progression or recurrence of disease, offering a practical tool for monitoring response to treatment.