Value of LDH

[fourputt]

I've been dealing with PCA 11 years and I've seen a number of doctors along the way but never have discussed or had my LDH tested. A young oncologist where I had my PSMA scan requested PSA, testosterone and LDH tests to go along with the scan. My LDH was at the low end of the "range" (but we still didn't discuss it LOL). My question is what part (if any) will/should LDH play in my treatment going forward ? Does it have a prognostic value, help monitor the effectiveness of treatments being administered or what ?

[Justfor_]

One thing that I can contribute is that my LDH count post biopsy was at 100% max normal range, declined to 78% max normal range some months post RP. Since then, I monitor it regularly flactuating between 60-70%.

[fourputt in reply to Justfor_]

Thank you. I'm just late to the party on LDH.

[Tall_Allen]

Prognostic value. Usually as the cancer becomes more advanced.

[fourputt in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thank you. I'm just a bit embarrassed that I didn't know anything about it,

[CAMPSOUPS]

I'm advanced. LDH results for last month.

Date Value Normal Range

Jun 27, 2023

292U/LHigh 0 - 250 U/L

Jun 19, 2023

227U/L 0 - 250 U/L

Jun 12, 2023

228U/L 0 - 250 U/L

Jun 6, 2023

255U/LHigh 0 - 250 U/L

May 30, 2023

265U/LHigh 0 - 250 U/L

Tumor metastasis can lead to elevated LDH levels, suggesting that LDH may be a potential diagnostic marker for cancer. Additionally, LDH could serve as an indicator of the prognosis of malignancy.Nov 6, 2018

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

[treedown in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

Seems I haven't had mine tested since 6/2020. Have they been testing yours the whole time or only after a specific point of progression?

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to treedown]

The main reason I'm getting this and a lot of other tests is I'm in a trial. Nice benefit of a trial.

I don't recall getting this test previous to the MO I've had for the past 9 months though. I've never actually never discussed it.

I would venture to say understanding Hematologic Oncology and applying it to real case humans is quite an undertaking.

[dhccpa in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

I tried to talk my MO into checking it but he resisted, saying it was too non-specific and other readings were good. I let it pass at the time. What does your MO say about it?

[CAMPSOUPS in reply to dhccpa]

We haven't discussed it singularly.

I am in favor of taking the type of info, your MO gave you.

Understanding the complexity of blood tests is truly the job of the MO's who are well educated in Oncologic Hematology and look at the entirety of the patient.

The relationships of bloodwork, scans, patient input etc. in determining valuable information. One blood test might show a negative transformation while another blood test or two and other factors can cancel out the one negative indicator blood test. IMHO.

Of course if a test is way out of whack and trends are rapidly advancing that can be another story.

[dhccpa in reply to CAMPSOUPS]

Yes, someone on the forum here had brought it up, so I asked my MO at that time. I'll run it by him again and see what he thinks.

[martinbe]

Cancer are primarily anaerobic. When they ferment glucose, they produce high levels of lactate. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is the enzyme that degrades lactate. So, if there is a lot of cancer activity the LDH rises.

[john4803]

They regularly check my Lipids, as part of the Eclipse Study (LU177 vs. SOC).

[GeorgeGlass in reply to john4803]

are you referring to ldl, as opposed to ldh?