The Diagnostic Value of Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isoenzymes and Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Measurement in the Sera of Patients with Endometrial Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) as tumor markers for endometrial cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 40 women with endometrial cancer, 52 with myoma uteri and 52 healthy individuals. Class III, IV of ADH and total ADH activity was measured by a photometric method and class I, II ADH and ALDH activity, by a fluorometric method. RESULTS: The total activity of ADH and ADH class I was significantly higher in the serum of patients with endometrial cancer than in healthy individuals and patients with myoma. The diagnostic sensitivity for ADH I was 69%, specificity 77%, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 75% and 71% respectively. The area under curve for ADH I was 0.682 and for total ADH was 0.623. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a potential role of ADH I as a marker for endometrial cancer.