The determination of plasmin-alpha 2 antiplasmin complexes (PAP) is a peripheral marker of plasminogenesis taking place in vivo. Due to the key role of plasmin in the pathogenesis of malignancy, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of PAP complexes and the activity of alpha 2 antiplasmin in the blood of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. Test group consisted of 46 patients at mean age of 58 years, out of whom 16 displayed II and 30 - III stadium of the advancement of neoplastic process. Significant increase in blood concentration of PAP complexes was observed in patients with lung cancer, which indicates the presence of intensive plasminogenesis. Blood levels of PAP complexes were significantly higher in patients with III than in those with II stage of neoplasm advancement. The activity of alpha 2 antiplasmin was significantly higher in patients with lung cancer when compared with healthy subjects, but it did not exceed physiological values.

Keywords: plasmin-alpha 2 antiplasmin complexes (PAP), Fibrinolysis, lung cancer