Ectopic ACTH Production in Carcinoma of the Lung

摘要: Abstract Immunoreactive ACTH was found in almost all tissue extracts of lung carcinoma from patients without clinical evidence Cushing's syndrome; i.e. 14 15 primary tumors, nine metastatic lymph nodes, and four liver nodules contained immunoreactive ACTH. The incidence other tumor types much lower. Comparable normal tissues no detectable Immunoreactive growth hormone, parathyroid or gastrin not the same tissue. predominant form big In pituitary little predominated. 53% 83 with had afternoon plasma levels greater than 150 pg/ml; more 90% plasmas containing less pg/ml were obtained who received radiation therapy chemotherapy. 31% 45 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), 28% 25 severe disease, 6% 33 controls elevated values. Big predominated COPD having levels. Tissue a smoking dog atypical histologic changes ACTH, exclusively form, while another that histologically Thus may be present even precancerous lesions. These studies suggest serial value screening for, and/or management of, lung.