Early effects of 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide therapy on common laboratory tests.

Background: Combination chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin and cyclophosphamide (FEC) is now used for adjuvant therapy of breast cancer. The effects of FEC on common laboratory tests are important when interpreting test results during the treatment. Patients and Methods: Common hormonal tests (e.g., serum gonadotrophins, testosterone, prolactin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, cortisol, parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid function tests), haematological blood counts and biochemical tests including specific proteins and lipids of seven women with metastatic breast cancer were assessed at baseline and before the 3 rd and the 5 th cycles: Results: Statistically significant increases were noted in serum PTH, free triiodothyronine, sodium, prealbumin and cholesterol, but decreases in white blood cell count, a-1-antitrypsin, as well as immunoglobulins A and M. Conclusion; Except for serum PTH, cholesterol and WBC count, the changes were small. The diagnoses of diseases based on serum PTH and cholesterol test results may be influenced by FEC treatment.