Amylase

The primary enzyme marker for pancreatic and salivary gland inflammation.

What it is

Amylase is a digestive enzyme produced primarily by the pancreas and salivary glands. It breaks down starch into sugars. Elevated blood amylase most commonly indicates pancreatitis, but can also come from salivary gland issues, bowel perforation, or kidney failure (reduced clearance).

Why it matters

Certain chemotherapy drugs and glucocorticoids can cause chemotherapy-induced pancreatitis. A sudden rise in amylase with abdominal pain warrants urgent investigation. Monitoring it through treatment cycles catches this toxicity early.

How to test

Blood test. Urine amylase is also informative in some presentations.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always discuss testing and interpretation of results with your care team.

Optimal range

28–100 U/L (lab-dependent).

How often

When abdominal symptoms occur. May be included in routine oncology panels.