Published in:
01-07-2015 | Original Article
Relationship of the urine cortisol level with the performance status of patients with lung cancer: a retrospective study
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 7/2015
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Purpose
Cortisol plays an important role in the physical status of patients with end-stage lung cancer, but the association of urine cortisol levels with TNM stage/performance status (PS) is unclear in patients with advanced lung cancer receiving chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to examine this association.
Methods
In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, cortisol concentrations in 24-h pooled urine from 22 patients with advanced lung cancer were measured over 2 days. The mean concentration in each patient was compared with PS, TNM stage, and serum sodium and potassium ion levels.
Results
The 24-h urine cortisol levels were higher in PS2 or PS3 cases compared to PS1 (p < 0.05) and increased proportionally with PS. Urine cortisol also increased in N2 or N3 cases compared to N1 (p < 0.01) and also increased in M1 cases (p < 0.05). Urine cortisol levels were negatively correlated with serum sodium (R = −0.49, p < 0.05) and had a tendency for a positive correlation with serum potassium (R = 0.40, p = 0.06).
Conclusion
The 24-h urine cortisol level increased in patients with advanced lung cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Low serum levels of potassium and high levels of sodium may indicate relative adrenal insufficiency.