[Changes of alpha-amylase activity in serum and urine of patients with various histological types of lung cancer].

Serum and urinary activity of alpha-amylase was assessed in different types and clinical stages of lung cancer. Significantly increased activity was seen in adenocarcinoma and in stage III of the disease. Following surgical removal of the tumor alpha-amylase decreased on the 7th day by 19% and on the 21st day by 26.8%. The activity of urinary alpha-amylase also decreased. The authors have determined the thermostable fraction of the alpha-amylase which may imply the source of the enzyme in the serum.