Assessment of Serum Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase Levels in Low Stage Renal Cell Carcinoma

In the past, serum levels of various enzymes have been studied to aid in the evaluation of neoplastic diseases. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) is present in highest amounts in the proximal convoluted tubules of the kidney, which are considered to be the site of origin for renal cell carcinomas. A retrospective study of 63 patients who had serum GGTP levels tested within 10 days before the resection of a renal cell carcinoma was performed to determine whether serum GGTP was elevated in low stage (stages I and II) renal cell carcinomas. Only 5 of the 63 patients had elevated GGTP levels (two of which were only slightly elevated). The authors conclude that serum GGTP levels as routinely measured in clinical laboratories are not reliably elevated in low stage renal cell carcinomas.