The effect of combined therapy on activity of cathepsin D and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the blood serum of women with cervical cancer.

Purpose of investigation: The aim of the study was to determine the activity of cathepsin D (CTSD) and alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) in the blood serum of women with cervical carcinoma treated with different modes of therapy. Methods: The study was conducted on 68 women suffering from carcinoma of the uterine cervix, that were irradiated intracavitarily by a Selectron LDR brachytherapy unit. Additionally, all patients were treated with different therapy methods according to clinical stage. Results: In women with cervical cancer, CTSD activity was higher while AAT activity was lower both before and after brachytherapy sessions as compared to controls. Six months after the end of therapy, the activity of CTSD and AAT reverted back to the values characteristic for healthy women. Conclusion: The estimation of cathepsin D and alpha-1-antitrypsin activity during the course of cervical cancer management may be useful in early detection of potential recurrence and/or widespread metastasis formation.