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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Bilirubin Levels In A Cancer Patient Be Reduced Using Serum Albumin?

My friend has stage 4 colon cancer. After 3 years of treatment his bilirubin has increased to such a level that they have suspended treatment. After a scope, it was determined that a stent would not be successful. My question, can we reduce bilirubin using serum albumin and be able to continue his immune/chemo- therapy ?
Fri, 21 Apr 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
No, Bilirubin metabolism is independent of blood albumin levels. In liver damage albumin level goes down and bilirubin in blood increases as it is not metabolised into a form that can be excreted in stools and urine.

So, bilirubin in blood can be brought down only by improving liver function. In case of temporary liver dysfunction, the removal of causative agent like an infection or drug results in return of bilirubin to normal level with treatment by liver enzymes and medicines that help in healing the liver tissue faster.
But if the liver is permanently damaged then there are a very few treatment options available like Liver transplant.

Hope this answers your question, thank you.
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Can Bilirubin Levels In A Cancer Patient Be Reduced Using Serum Albumin?

No, Bilirubin metabolism is independent of blood albumin levels. In liver damage albumin level goes down and bilirubin in blood increases as it is not metabolised into a form that can be excreted in stools and urine. So, bilirubin in blood can be brought down only by improving liver function. In case of temporary liver dysfunction, the removal of causative agent like an infection or drug results in return of bilirubin to normal level with treatment by liver enzymes and medicines that help in healing the liver tissue faster. But if the liver is permanently damaged then there are a very few treatment options available like Liver transplant. Hope this answers your question, thank you.