Alterations of Packed Cell Volume, Red Blood Cell, Total Protein and Albumin in Patients Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer in Imo State, Nigeria.
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: ABSTRACT Prostate cancer is a common cancer that grows slowly and tends to metastasize to bones, lungs, and the liver. Most Malignancies have established patterns in presentation, localization, and organ where they metastasize. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell(RBC), total protein, and albumin in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, from the month of May to August, 2023. This study consisted of 50 male patients with prostate cancer and an equivalent number of age – matched apparently healthy subjects who served as the controls. Blood Samples collected for PCV, RBC, total protein and albumin were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. Result: The mean values of PCV (27.84.±4.62) %, RBC (3.152±3.47) x1012/μL, and Albumin (2.42±6.47)g/dl, were significantly lower in prostate cancer patients when compared to controls (36.86±3.18)%,(5.97±8.96) x1012/μL, and (4.93±9.01)g/dl (p-0.000), while the mean value of total protein (2.43±64)mg was significantly higher in prostate cancer when compared to controls (5.50+1.47) (p=0.000). Conclusion: This study has shown that prostate cancer alters the levels of PCV, RBC, total protein and albumin. Therefore, early evaluation of these parameters is encouraged to monitor prostate cancer patients and prevent complications. Key words: Prostrate Cancer, Packed Cell Volume, Red blood Cell, Total Protein, Albumin INTRODUCTION Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located behind the base of the penis, in front of the rectum, and below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the tube-like channel that carries urine and semen through the penis. The prostate's main function is to make seminal fluid, the liquid in semen that protects, supports, and helps transport sperm. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and the fifth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide (Ferlay et al., 2018). Established risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, ethnicity and genetic factors (Pernar et al., 2018). Although there are large differences in the global incidence of prostate cancer, little is known regarding potential modifiable risk factors. Prostate cancer affects middle-aged men between the ages of 45 and 60 and is the highest cause of cancer-associated mortalities in western countries (Chen et al., 2013). Many men with prostate cancer are diagnosed by prostate biopsy and analysis, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or health screening. The risk factors related to prostate cancer include family risk, ethnicity, age, obesity, and other environmental factors. Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease both on the basis of epidemiology and genetics. The interplay among genetics, environmental influences, and social influences causes race-specific prostate cancer survival rate estimates to decrease, and thus, results in differences observed in the epidemiology of prostate cancer in different countries (Hjelmborg et al., 2014). There is documented proof of a genetic contribution to prostate cancer. Hereditary prostate cancer and a genetic component predisposition to prostate cancer have been studied for years. One of the most predisposing genetic risk factors for prostate cancer is family inheritance. Twin studies and epidemiological studies have both proven the role of hereditary prostate cancer (Termini et al., 2020). Many researchers have looked into the possible role of genetic variation in androgen biosynthesis and metabolism, as well as the role of androgens (Wen et al., 2015 and Cittadini et al., 2021). Genomics research has identified molecular processes that result in certain cancer developments, such as chromosomal rearrangements (Hjelmborg et al., 2014). Prostate cancer can either be classified as androgen sensitive or androgen insensitive, which is an indicator of testosterone stimulation and the possible treatment option (Takayama et al., 2019). Treatment options available for prostate cancer are active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, and cryotherapy. Prostate cancer is a major public health concern, and there is a need to identify reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and management of the disease. Some studies have suggested that alterations in these blood parameters, including PCV, RBCs, total protein, and albumin, may serve as indicators of disease severity, prognostic markers, and predictors of treatment response in prostate cancer patients (Yuvaraja et al., 2014 and Banerji et al., 2018). For instance, lower PCV and RBCs have been associated with advanced stages of prostate cancer (Banerji et al., 2018).It is important to note that these findings may vary across different studies, populations, and clinical settings. Furthermore, the precise mechanisms underlying these alterations in blood parameters in prostate cancer patients are not fully understood and require further investigation. Although several research work have been done on prostate related issues in Owerri but only few worked on alterations of haematological and biochemical parameters in this geographical location. Hence the need for this research. Understanding the alterations in these parameters will provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology and management of the disease. These findings will encourage early evaluation and management of prostate cancer.....
Authors: Aloy-Amadi Oluchi C, Obinnakwelu Ekene C, Akogu Okechukwu, Chinedu - Eleonu P.O, Okpara Lydia T
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7082268701
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