Enhanced benzo(a)pyrene metabolism and formation of DNA adducts in monocytes of patients with lung cancer.

The conversion of G[3H]benzo(a)pyrene to water-soluble material and to DNA adducts was determined in peripheral blood monocytes of 52 healthy male and female volunteers and 27 patients with lung cancer. Active smokers converted more benzpyrene to DNA-bound material than nonsmokers, but did not form significantly more water soluble material. Monocytes of lung cancer patients clearly formed more water soluble material than cells of the control group, and slightly more DNA adducts when only males are compared. This enhanced BP conversion of lung cancer patients is independent of smoking habits.