Serum protein fractionation in gynecologic malignancy

Serum protein fractionation using paper electrophoresis was determined in 73 patients with uterine cancer. The distribution of the serum proteins was found to be abnormal. Hypoalbuminemia occurred in all patients studied, including those with noninvasive and clinically localized cancer. Total protein remained unchanged, indicating an absolute increase in total globulin. The alpha-2 and beta globulins exhibited the greatest increases in the malignancies studied. The serum protein changes in the albumin, alpha-2, and beta fractions are similar in pregnancy and in uterine cancer. Electrophoretic separation of the alpha-1 and gamma globulin fraction in gynecologic cancer reveal no significant difference from normal values.