Prostaglandin E2 and cyclic AMP levels in human breast tumors.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and cyclic adenosine-3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) concentrations were measured in human benign and malignant breast tumors by radioimmunoassay. Two groups were found among the malignant tissues, one with high PGE2 (M = 65.89 pg/mg) and high cAMP (M = 0.704 pmole/mg) concentrations and one with low concentrations (M = 9.24 pg/mg and M = 0.299 pmole/mg, respectively). The low PGE2 levels in the malignant tumors did not differ significantly from the levels found in benign tumors (M = 8.06 pg/mg). cAMP levels were positively and highly correlated (r = +0.81) with PGE2 levels. No bone osteolysis could be discovered in any of the patients a few weeks after mastectomy operation, but PGE2 analysis of breast tumors may have prognostic value for the future.