[Diagnostic value of gamma-glutamyltransferase in the metastatic disease of patients with renal cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to determine the diagnostic value of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) as a marker of metastatic disease in patients with renal cell carcinoma (CCR).


METHODS
A study of diagnostic tests was carried out to determine the value of GGT as a marker of metastatic disease in patients with neoplasms of kidney cells (NKC). Eighteen patients from the Urology Service at the Specialties Hospital, National Medical Center La Raza were included in the period from March to December 1997 with diagnosis of NKC, independently of co-morbid states.


RESULTS
In an independent and blinded form, studies of tumorlike extension were carried out on patients (bone gammagram, axial computered tomography of abdomen, thorax and skull) to determine whether localized NKC or metastatic NKC took place. We obtained sensitivity of 71.42%, specificity of 90.90%, positive predictive value 83.33%, and negative predictive value, 83.33%.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrated that GGT values are high in a great percentage of patients with metastatic NKC, whereas in patients with localized CCR this enzyme practically is within normal ranges. Thus we are able to consider that GGT is useful as an indicator of metastasic disease in patients with CCR.
Beltrán-Martínez
Ramón Julio
RJ
Servicio de Urología, Hospital de Especialidades Centro Médico Nacional La Raza, Zacatecas, Zac.
Correa-Chacón
Arnulfo Joel
AJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000378:metabolism*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase