Evaluation of serum levels of CEA, LDH and beta 2 microglobulin in patients of non hodgkin lymphoma

Aim: To assess the clinical value of combined detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Beta 2 microglobulin (B2M) in patients of Non--Hodgkin lymphoma as potential tumor markers. Materials and methods: 50 diagnosed cases of NHL and 50 age and sex matched healthy controls were included in the study. Serum levels of CEA were done by two-site sandwich immunoassay using direct chemiluminometric technology. Serum LDH was estimated by automated biochemistry analyzer and B2M was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Routine investigations including CBC, ESR, serum albumin, hemoglobin etc. were also done in both the groups. Staging and International prognostic index (IPI) risk scoring were also done at the time of diagnosis of patients. Results: The results showed that as compared with control group, the LDH, CEA and B2M levels in NHL group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). Compared with low risk patients, the levels of all the three markers were higher in intermediate and high risk patients. As compared with patients at stage I and II, the LDH, CEA and B2M levels of patients at stage III and IV increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined detection of LDH, CEA and B2M can be helpful to assist diagnosis as well as staging of NHL patients. Key Words: Lactate dehydrogenase, carcinoembryonic antigen, beta 2 microglobulin, Non Hodgkin Lymphoma