Evaluation of two plasma fucosyltransferases as marker enzymes in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Levels of two fusosyltransferases were measured in plasmas of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at different phases of the disease. The level of a GDP-fucose: galactoside fucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.69) was found elevated in nonresponding patients and was correlated with estimated tumor burden. Enzyme levels in the normal range were found in patients in remission, maintained on chemotherapy, or unmaintained. The plasma level of a GDP-fucose; N-acetylglucosaminide fucosyltransferase (EC 2.4.1.68) was elevated in all individuals receiving drug therapy regardless of diesease status, but returned to normal levels during unmaintained remissions.