Abstract
We have examined the composition of the essential fatty acids in the plasma phospholipid fractions of 98 patients with histologically proven bladder cancer. These patients were attending hospital for regular follow-up by check cystoscopy. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on the cystoscopic findings, of either active (tumour recurrence seen) or inactive (no evidence of tumour recurrence) disease. Compared with a normal population, the plasma levels of most of the fatty acids, including arachidonic acid, were significantly lower in the 98 cancer patients (P less than 0.001, t-test). We were unable, however, to demonstrate any significant differences (Mann-Whitney U-test) between the active and inactive disease groups. Plasma levels of the essential fatty acids are abnormal in patients with bladder cancer; they do not help, however, to distinguish those patients with active disease from those with inactive disease. This may arise because the deficit in essential fatty acids we have demonstrated is a predisposing factor for the development of bladder cancer rather than a metabolic consequence of the tumour. Further studies are needed to establish the possible clinical role of measurement of essential fatty acids in patients with bladder carcinoma.
Highlights
Ninety-eight patients with a proven histological diagnosis of bladder cancer, who were attending for regular check cystoscopy, had fasting blood samples taken before induction of anaesthesia for cystoscopy
Of the 98 patients entered in the study, 55 had active disease and 43 had inactive disease
We have demonstrated significant differences in the plasma phospholipid profiles of patients with histologically proven bladder cancer, when compared to a control population
Summary
Ninety-eight patients with a proven histological diagnosis of bladder cancer, who were attending for regular check cystoscopy, had fasting blood samples taken before induction of anaesthesia for cystoscopy. The fasting blood samples were taken into EDTA-treated tubes, centrifuged at 800 g for 5 min and the separated red cells and plasma frozen at - 70°C until analysis. Cystoscopic findings were recorded, and patients placed into one of two groups, depending on the presence or absence of recurrent disease. There were 55 patients with active disease and 43 patients with no recurrence noted. McClinton, Department of Urology, Ward 44, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB9 2ZD, UK. Received 30 November 1989; and in revised form 16 March 1990
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