Estrone sulphate plasma levels in postmenopausal women with and without endometrial cancer

Abstract

Plasma estrone sulphate (E₁S) and estrone (E₁) concentrations were determined in healthy postmenopausal women and in postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer, matched for body weight, age, and years since menopause. E₁S levels (mean ± SD) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in cancer patients with normal weight (511 ± 200 pg/ml) than in control subjects (303 ± 99 pg/ml). E₁S levels were also higher in obese cancer patients (691 ± 328 pg/ml) than in obese control subjects (610 ± 139 pg/ml). Both cancer groups showed similar plasma E₁ levels as compared with their respective controls. The E₁S/E₁ ratio was higher in both groups of cancer patients than in control subjects. These data suggest that estrogen conjugates should be taken into account during studies on estrogen balance and endometrial cancer.