Biomedical Research

Objective: To investigate the effect of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and taxane chemotherapy on the liver enzymes in Iraqi women with breast cancer.

Methods: This cohort prospective study was carried out at the Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad and at the Oncology Clinic, Oncology Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. It included 56 women with regular menstrual cycle (25-45 y) who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The women were classified into 3 groups: GI (pre-treatment): 29 women with breast cancer before starting chemotherapy and the post treatment group: the same 29 women of GI (pre-treatment) who finished 4 cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy (course 1), and GII: which involved another 27 women who had finished both courses of chemotherapy, (course 1) and 4 cycles of taxanes (course 2), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALK) and serum total proteins were measured using colorimetric methods.

Results: Concerning the liver biochemical parameters (ALT and AST); there was no significant difference between GII and both GI (pre-treatment and post treatment) groups. While the serum levels of these enzymes increased significantly in GI (post treatment) compared to the (pre-treatment) group. According to the serum ALP; there was no significant difference between all groups. While the serum TP shows a significant increase in GI (post treatment) compared to the (pre-treatment) group. And a highly significant increase in GII compared to both GI (pre-treatment and post treatment) groups.

Conclusion: Breast cancer chemotherapeutic agents’ combinations cause hepatic toxicity indicated by changes in liver enzymes levels and activity.

Author(s): Zainab NH Anber
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