Serum lysozyme activity in patients with breast cancer treated by mastectomy and radiation.

In 37 patients with breast cancer, lysozyme activity in undiluted and diluted sera was determined. Blood was collected from peripheral vein before surgical intervention, during surgery from vein draining when radiotherapy was finished. In parallel experiments the lysozyme activity was tested in peripheral blood of 40 healthy persons. Increased lysozyme activity both in undiluted and diluted sera was observed and radiotherapy did not change the activity of the tested enzyme.