Elastin metabolism parameters in sera of patients with lung cancer.

Elastin metabolism parameters (elastin-derived peptides and elastase-like activity) were determined in sera of patients with lung cancer and in healthy controls. The concentration of elastin-derived peptides was statistically significantly elevated in the lung cancer group. There was no statistically significant difference in the serum elastase-like activity between the groups studied. These data seem to indicate an enhanced metabolism of elastin in patients with lung cancer.