Early drop in serum lactate dehydrogenase concentrations as a predictor of tumor response to ongoing anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody treatment

Abstract

Prediction of tumor responses before and during treatment for unresectable advanced and/or metastatic colorectal cancer is important to maximize treatment benefit to individual patients. In the present case series, we introduce the potential of using serum lactase dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations to predict the tumor responses during treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody. Based on our observations, an early drop in serum LDH concentrations predicts tumor shrinkage, whereas maintenance of LDH concentrations presages a moderate response to treatment or tumor progression.