[Phospholipid concentrations and localization of selected phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes of breast tumor patients].

The phospholipid content within the erythrocyte membrane, its composition and topological distribution was determined in 17 untreated patients with histologically verified breast cancer. The qualitative analysis of phospholipids was performed by one- and two-dimensional TLC. Topological changes of the aminophospholipid asymmetry were examined by TNBS-labelling. In comparison with control values, there were no significant differences of the investigated phospholipid parameters. In conclusion, in the early stage of breast cancer, there is no influence of tumour growth on the phospholipid pattern of red blood cells. Thus, diagnosis of breast cancer using erythrocyte phospholipids is impossible.