Lactoferrin and C-reactive protein in response to cytostatic drugs with emphasis on methotrexate.

In this study plasma concentrations of lactoferrin (LF) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are examined in 9 children with different kinds of cancer but without any intercurrent infections. New, sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for LF and CRP are described. The samples are drawn before, during, and after the cytotoxic drugs are given. The cytotoxic courses include cis-platinum, vincristine, adriamycin, cytarabine, and methotrexate (6 g/m2/24 h and 33.6 g/m2/24 h). During the infusion of methotrexate 33.6 g/m2 the concentrations of LF are increased, only a small increase of CRP is observed, and for the other groups there is no changes of both parameters.