Aim: Spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT-1) regulates cell growth, proliferation and death. Amantadine is converted by SSAT-1 to acetylamantadine (AA). In our earlier studies, although SSAT-1 was activated in patients with cancer, a number of ostensibly healthy adult volunteers had higher than expected AA concentration. This study was therefore undertaken to examine the outlier group.
Materials & methods: A follow up of urine analysis for AA by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry as well as clinical assessments and additional blood analyses were conducted.
Results: In some of the outlier controls, higher than expected AA concentration was linked to increased serum carcinoembryonic antigen. Clinical and radiographic assessments revealed underlying abnormalities in other cases that could represent premalignant conditions. Hematology tests revealed elevations in white blood cells and platelets, which are markers of inflammation.
Conclusion: High urine concentration of AA could be used as a simple and useful test for screening of cancer in high-risk populations.
Keywords: SSAT-1; amantadine; biomarkers; cancer screening and diagnostics; early detection.