Anticancer research
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Anticancer research · Jul 1996
Determination of serum tumor markers TPS and CA 15-3 during monitoring of treatment in metastatic breast cancer patients.
Serum levels of tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS), a cytokeratin 18 marker, and CA 15-3 were determined in 42 patients with metastatic breast cancer during routine treatment follow-up. At the time of proved metastatic disease, 86% of the values for TPS were above the upper reference value as compared to 93% for CA 15-3. The combined use of TPS and CA 15-3 increased the overall sensitivity. ⋯ An increase in the tumor marker level of 25% or more was seen in 60% (TPS) and 52% (CA 15-3), respectively of the studied patients. TPS appeared to indicate changes faster than CA 15-3. The overall results of this study suggest the combined use of TPS and CA 15-3 in the monitoring of breast cancer patients is preferable.
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Anticancer research · Jul 1996
Serum concentrations of type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP) and type I procollagen carboxy-and aminoterminal propeptides (PICP, PINP) as markers of metastatic bone disease in breast cancer.
The most abundant protein in bone is type I collagen. During type I collagen formation two extension peptides from both ends of the procollagen molecule, carboxy- and aminoterminal propeptides (PICP and PINP), are liberated in equimolar concentrations into the circulation. Type I collagen carboxyterminal telopeptide (ICTP) is formed during bone collagen breakdown and is liberated into the circulation. ⋯ The clinical specifities were 93%, 100%, 98% and 91% respectively. During follow-up the changes in the marker values were parallel to the behaviour of the disease. We conclude that these markers alone are not sensitive enough for diagnosis, but they seem to be of use in detecting bone metastases and monitoring the activity of bone disease.