In a nutshell
This study investigated the relationship between lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and cancer-specific survival.
Researchers concluded that LDH can be used as an early indicator of cancer outcomes.
Some background
Early cancer detection methods have significantly improved cancer survival rates. There is increasing evidence to suggest that high levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood could be a good indicator of cancer development and progression. LDH levels become elevated when cells and tissues are damaged, and are particularly high during active tumor progression into various internal organs. However, a direct link between early LDH levels and cancer survival has not yet been fully investigated.
Methods & findings
A total of 7,895 cancer patients were included in this study, including 2018 breast cancer patients. Serum LDH levels were recorded in each person within three years before cancer diagnosis (as part of a general health check-up). Health outcomes were analyzed over an average follow-up of 8 years. Over the time of the study, 5,799 patients (74%) deceased.
After accounting for multiple factors (such as age, cancer stage, and additional medical conditions), patients with elevated LDH before cancer diagnosis showed an 85% increased mortality risk due to cancer-related causes, compared with patients with low LDH before diagnosis. Elevated LDH was also associated with a 78% increased risk of early mortality from any cause (cancer-related or other). LDH levels measured closer in time to cancer diagnosis (within one year before diagnosis) were a particularly reliable predictor of premature mortality.
Analysis also showed that specific cancer site affected health outcome. A higher mortality risk was noted with high LDH in patients diagnosed with prostate, skin, colorectal, lung, stomach, breast, hematological (blood), and gynecological (ovary, cervical, uterus) cancers.
Among breast cancer patients, high LDH levels before diagnosis were associated with a 54% increased risk of cancer-related mortality, and a 73% increased risk of all-cause mortality, compared to breast cancer patients with normal LDH levels before diagnosis.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that early LDH levels can be a strong predictor of cancer survival.
The fine print
The study provided no information regarding cancer treatments received, which might have significantly influenced results.
Published By :
British Journal of Cancer
Date :
Nov 03, 2015
Dear Sir,
My Father’s age is 76. His digital rectal examination (DRE) during diagnose is Grade III. He has no any problem related to urination. Dr. suggested him for blood diagnose like LDH, Alfa Feto Protein & Human Chronic Gonadotropin (HCG).
His LDH is 488.5 U/L
Human Chronic Gonadotropin (HCG) is <0.500
Alfa Feto Protein is 2.53 IU/ML
Kindly suggest if there is any chance of Prostate cancer.
Thanks & Regards
Anmol
Hello Anmol, Medivizor cannot provide medical diagnosis. Please communicate your concerns with your father’s physician. Best to you and your family, Kathleen
sir, my LDH 339
what is risk and what we can do…
Sir, My LDH Level is 472, My age is 46 ,is there any risk, kindly need your suggestions please
Sir, my friend whose LDH range is 512, what can he do
My husbands LDH level was >22,500 in recent months. His latest LDH level is 2902. Stage 4 acute lymphoblastic leukemia with burkitt’s lymphoma.
I am 47 yrs old female and on watch and wait for Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 2 Mantle Cell treatment. There is supposedly no difference in outcome of chemo if I wait until progression to stage 4 for treatment. My LDH was 200 when diagnosed, but has reduced to 164 (normal!) Over 3 months that I have been on a very restrictive diet. I cut out dairy and gluten and sugar. I only eat vegetables, fruit and lean meat. I can only attribute it to that. I was already a healthy eater before and exercised regularly, so that hasn’t changed. I also started reducing stress through yoga. I hope this helps someone looking to lower their LDH.
I just got some blood work done two weeks ago. My LDH was 348. I know my cholesterol was a little bit elevated and could other things like anion gap. I feel fine and have never been diagnosed with anything. Hearing all your stories on where your levels are at scares the hell out of me. My doctors don’t seem concerned as they didn’t call me after the test I had to literally ask for them myself and saw that number was high and looked it up online.
Robert, my 33 year old son’s LDH was 350. He has a number of medical issues (not cancer) but his immunologist is not concerned with this level.
His ALT, AST & ALP are all normal.
(These can help with a diagnosis or help determine which organs are involved).
Elevated blood LDH doesn’t always signal a problem. It might be the result of strenuous exercise. The level may also be high if your blood sample is handled roughly in the lab or not stored at the proper temperature. Sometimes, taking too much vitamin C can be to blame. Finally, your blood LDH might be high if your platelet count is higher than normal.
I’ve just had my levels checked again they are at 263….have blood specialist appt next month
I am 50 yr old & grade 1 faty liver patient.Diognosis results of LDH(LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE/:–586 & TRIGLYCERIDES–189, what happened.
My ldh ls 506
Lymphoma April 4 2020
I am 24 yrs old male and on watch classical Hodgkins Lymphoma treatment. My LDH was 206 when diagnosed, I have been on a very restrictive diet. I cut out dairy and gluten and sugar. I only eat vegetables, fruit and lean meat. I can only attribute it to that. I was already a healthy eater before.I hope this helps someone looking to lower their LDH. But Doctor suggest me it’s a cancer. This is right or wrong I confused pls find what happened me. It’s very urgent. Thanks
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma relapsed 4 times. Chemo CVP w/ Rituximab first 2, then (Bendamustine,etc.) w/Rituxamab
My LDH gets lower on chemo. I was dx at 46, female Stage 4 in the bone marrow, that was 2000. 4 relapses last 20 yrs on chemo now. Chin up, it’s attitude, not diet as far as my disease has gone. I am 5’2″ 125. No diabetes, do have COPD Be safe Mask up Love and Peace