Comparison of four routinely used vitamin D automated immunoassays

Background

To compare four automated immunoassays for the measurement of 25(OH)-vitamin D (25-OHD) and to assess the impact on the results obtained from a healthy population.

Methods

We analysed 100 serum samples on Unicel DxI 800 (Beckman Coulter), Architect i1000 (Abbott), Cobas e411 (Roche) and Liaison XL (DiaSorin). Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plots were used for method comparison. In order to categorise the obtained values, results were categorised into the following groups: 0-25 nmol/L, 25-50 nmol/L, 50-75 nmol/L and above 75 nmol/L and compared. The percentage of samples below 75 nmol/L, and below 50 nmol/L was then calculated for every method.

Results

According to paired comparisons, each method differs from others (p<0.0001) except Cobas vs Architect, which do not show a statistically significant difference (p=0.39). The strongest correlation was found between Liaison and Architect (ρ=0.94, p<0.0001). The percentage of samples below the recommended value of 75 nmol/L were: 70% (Architect), 92% (Liaison), 71% (Cobas) and 89% (Unicel). The percentage of samples below the value of 50 nmol/L were: 17% (Architect), 55% (Liaison), 28% (Cobas) and 47% (Unicel).

Conclusions

The observed differences stem from the use of different analytical systems for 25-OHD concentration analysis and can result in different outcomes. The recommended values should be established for each assay in accordance with the data provided by the manufacturer or in the laboratory, in accordance with proper standardisation.

The Ability of Prostate Health Index (PHI) to Predict Gleason Score in Patients With Prostate Cancer and Discriminate Patients Between Gleason Score 6 and Gleason Score Higher Than 6-A Study on 320 Patients After Radical Prostatectomy

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the Prostate Health Index as a marker for tumor aggressiveness in prostate biopsy and the optimization of indication for treatment options.

Methods:

Our cohort consisted of 320 patients indicated for radical prostatectomy with preoperative measurements of total prostate-specific antigen, free prostate-specific antigen, [-2]proPSA, calculated %freePSA, and Prostate Health Index. The Gleason score was determined during biopsy and after radical prostatectomy. Using the Gleason score, we divided the group of patients into the 2 subgroups: Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6. This division was performed according to the biopsy Gleason score and according to the postoperative Gleason score. We compared total prostate-specific antigen, [-2]proPSA, %freePSA, and Prostate Health Index in the subgroups Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 after biopsy and the definitive score.

Results:

On evaluation of the subgroups created by Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6, we observed agreement between biopsy Gleason score and definitive Gleason score in only 45.3% of cases. Of the calculated biopsy, Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 subgroups, [-2]proPSA, and Prostate Health Index (P = .0003 and P = .0005) were statistically significant. Of the definitive Gleason score ≤6 and Gleason score >6 subgroups, Prostate Health Index, [-2]proPSA, %freePSA, and PSA (P < .0001, P < .0001, P = .0003, and P = .0043) were statistically significant. The best area under the curve value (0.7496) was achieved by Prostate Health Index when the subgroups were established according to the postoperative Gleason score.

Conclusion:

Prostate Health Index is the best of the tested markers for the categorization of Gleason score 6 tumors and for facilitating the management of patients with prostate cancer. Prostate Health Index can be a helpful marker for indication of active surveillance or radical prostatectomy. Prostate health index can also simplify the decision of whether to perform nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Stability of total prostate-specific antigen and free prostate-specific antigen after 10 years’ storage

Introduction:

PSA is a serine protease composed of 240 amino acids in a single polypeptide chain and is a routine parameter in prostate cancer diagnostics. The aim of our study was to test the long-term stability of tPSA and fPSA after 10 years’ storage at −80°C.

Materials and methods:

We analyzed two aliquots from 55 serum samples. The first was assayed in routine testing at the time of establishing the diagnosis. The second was thawed for further testing after approximately 10 years’ storage at −80°C. The mean of storage time was 10.41 years (min–max: 9.35–11.40 years). We compared the results of tPSA and fPSA. We calculated the fPSA/tPSA ratio and compared the results of clinical evaluation. Serum tPSA and fPSA levels were assayed using chemiluminescent kits Access Hybritech PSA and free PSA. All measurements were performed using the instrument UniCel® DxI 800.

Results:

tPSA decreased 3.59% on average with a correlation r=0.9213, and fPSA increased at an average of 2.41% with a correlation r=0.9338. The fPSA/tPSA ratio increased 0.80% on average with a correlation r=0.9174. On clinical evaluation, five samples had fallen to a less malignant category and three samples had risen to a higher malignant category compared with the original results.

Conclusion:

The stability of tPSA and fPSA levels in serum is sufficient after 10 years’ storage at −80°C. Calculation of the fPSA/tPSA ratio is not recommended due to the change in the category of malignancy of 15% of the samples.

An Assessment of Novel Biomarkers in Bone Metastatic Disease Using Multiplex Measurement and Multivariate Analysis

Aim:

Current diagnostics of bone metastatic disease is not satisfactory for early detection or regular process monitoring. The combination of biomarkers and the multiparametric approach was described as effective in other oncology diagnoses. The aim of the study was to improve the difference diagnostics between bone-metastatic disease and solid tumors using mutivariate logistic regression model.

Methods:

We assessed the group of 131 patients with the following diagnoses: prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. According to the results of scintigraphy, the cohort was divided into 2 groups based on the occurrence of bone metastases. Group 0 was a control group of 75 patients with no signs of bone metastases and group 1 included 56 patients with bone metastases.

Results:

We used stepwise selection multivariate logistic regression for choosing the multimarker formula for calculation of risk score for bone metastases diagnostics. For detection of bone metastasis, it was shown to be most effective measurement of 3 biomarkers: procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, growth differentiation factor-15, and osteonectin and combining with calculation of risk score by designating measured concentrations in mathematical formula: bone risk score = procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide × 0.0500 + growth differentiation factor-15 × 1.4179 + osteonectin × 0.00555.

Conclusion:

We identified growth differentiation factor-15 as the best individual marker for bone metastasis diagnostics. The best formula for risk score includes levels of 3 biomarkers—procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, growth differentiation factor-15, and osteonectin. The new score has better performance described by higher area under the curve than individual biomarkers. A further study is necessary to confirm these findings incorporating a larger number of patients.

MIC1/GDF15 as a Bone Metastatic Disease Biomarker

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate MIC1/GDF15 as a biomarker in the monitoring of bone metastases occurrence.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The assessed group included patients diagnosed with: prostate cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Patients were divided into two groups based on the scintigraphy of the occurrence of bone metastases. Group 0 contained 55 patients without bone metastases, that served as the control group. Group 1 contained 75 patients with bone metastases.

RESULTS

Higher levels (p<0.0001) of MIC1/GDF15 were found in group 1 (with bone metastases) compared to the group 0. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed an area under the curve (AUC) 0.87. At the point of 90% specificity we found a 65% sensitivity and cut-off value of 1.48 ng/ml.

CONCLUSION

Circulating MIC1/GDF15 is a powerful biomarker for bone metastatic disease but insufficient sensitivity calls for further studies incorporating combinations with other novel or routine markers.

Testing of a Novel Cancer Metastatic Multiplex Panel for the Detection of Bone-metastatic Disease - a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

Bone metastases develop in several malignancies (multiple myeloma, breast, prostate and lung carcinoma) and cause several complications. The aim of this study was to search for new biomarkers to use in monitoring of bone metastatic disease with the use of xMAP technology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We assessed 62 oncological patients: 23 with no bone metastases, 28 with metastatic disease not having undergone therapy and 11 with metastatic disease treated by denosumab. Serum levels of dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), osteoprotegerin (OPG), osteonectin, periostin, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP5), tumor necrosis factor related weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL40), carboxy-terminal telopeptide (CTX) and procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (PINP) were measured in each sample.

RESULTS

The following biomarkers were observed to have significantly higher levels in the groups of patients with metastases in comparison to metastasis-free patients: GDF15 (p<0.0001), osteonectin (p=0.0311), TRAP5 (p<0.0046), TWEAK (p<0.0343) and YKL40 (p<0.0034). The changes in DKK1, NSE, OPG and periostin were not significant.

CONCLUSION

We identified five new biomarkers: GDF15, osteonectin, TRAP5, TWEAK, and YKL40 as being promising markers for monitoring bone metastases.

PHI in the Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

AIM

To evaluate changes in the serum levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), %free PSA and -2proPSA biomarkers, and prostate health index (PHI) in the diagnostic algorithm of early prostate cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Immunoanalytical Laboratory of the University Hospital in Pilsen examined sera from 263 patients being treated at the Hospital's Urology Department with suspected prostate cancer who had undergone biopsies and were divided into a benign and malignant group. The monitored biomarkers were measured using chemiluminescence. All statistical analyses were calculated using the SAS software.

RESULTS

We found statistically significantly increased levels of -2proPSA, PHI and PSA and decreased levels of %freePSA in patients diagnosed with prostate cancer by prostate biopsy vs. patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy (median values: -2proPSA: 16 vs. 21 ng/l, PHI: 35 vs. 62, total PSA: 7.2 vs. 7.7 μg/l and %free PSA: 16.7 vs. 11.7%). Receiver operating characteristic curves showed the best performance for PHI compared to other markers.

CONCLUSION

The assessment of -2proPSA and the calculation of PHI appear to be of great benefit for a more accurate differential diagnosis of benign hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Evaluation of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in Malignant Melanoma Diagnostics

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of four interleukins (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10) for melanoma detection and correlate these interleukins with sentinel node metastasis positivity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A group of 236 persons was assessed: 175 patients with melanomas and 61 healthy persons. Melanoma patients were divided to four groups according to Breslow score. We determined IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-10 in each plasma sample. Interleukin plasma levels were assayed using a Human Cytokine Milliplex Map kit. Measurements were performed using the Bio-Plex MAGPIX Multiplex Reader. Plasma samples were collected prior to surgery or any other form of treatment. All melanoma diagnoses were histologically verified.

RESULTS

We compared interleukin plasma levels in the healthy group and plasma levels in each Breslow score stage. In the first Breslow score stage, IL-2 (p<0.0001), IL-6 (p=0.0004) and IL-10 (p<0.0001) were positive. In the second Breslow score, stage IL-2 (p<0.0001), IL-6 (p<0.0001), IL-8 (p=0.0017) and IL-10 (p<0.0001) were positive. By comparing the group of positive and negative sentinel node metastasis, we observed a statistically significant difference in two interleukins: The median of IL-2 levels in the negative group was 5.88 pg/ml compared to 32.57 pg/ml in the positive group (p=0.0005). The median of IL-6 levels in the negative group was 4.80 pg/ml compared to 32.02 pg/ml in the positive group (p=0.0048).

CONCLUSION

Interleukins IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 are promising biomarkers of early-stage melanoma. IL-2 and IL-6 appear to be prognostic biomarkers.

Reference values of IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio in adult population in the Czech Republic

BACKGROUND

IGF1 is responsible for regulation of growth, metabolism and differentiation of human cells. IGFBP3 is the most abundant of the carrier proteins for IGF1 in the blood. IGF1/IGFBP3 molar ratio is an indicator of IGF1 bioavailability. We decided to create a file of reference ranges of IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGF1/IGFBPP3 ratio for the adult Czech population across the age spectrum.

METHODS

We selected a group of 1022 subjects, 467 males and 555 females (ages 20-98 years), from several regions in the Czech Republic. The group consisted of blood donors and patients undergoing regular preventive examinations. Serum levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 were measured using the following radioimmunoassay kits: IRMA IGF1 (Immunotech, Marseille, France) and IRMA IGFBP3 (Immunotech, Prague, Czech Republic). The IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio was also calculated. The following groups of patients were excluded: patients with diabetes, high blood glucose, high insulin levels, post-surgery patients, polymorbid patients, and subjects with oncological diseases. Subjects were divided into seven age-groups. Changes in the levels of observed analytes in each decade across the age spectrum were evaluated. All statistical analyses were performed by SAS 9.3 (Statistical Analysis Software release 9.3; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).

RESULTS

All three parameters IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGF1/IGFBP3 decreased in parallel with decrease in age: p<0.0001, r=-0.64, -0.35 and -0.54, respectively. The dynamics of the decline was different between males and females. Linear regression models with age as independent variable fitted by gender are displayed in Fig. 1. Non-parametric reference interval curves (medians and 2.5th-97.5th percentiles) for IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio as function of age by gender are displayed in Fig. 2(a,b,c). All medians and 2.5th-97.5th percentiles were plotted by cubic spline. For males, linear regression models were as follows: IGF1=291.34619-2.41211 × age, IGFBP3=2931.62778-6.11659 × age, IGF1/IGFBP3=0.02897-0.00021213 × age. For females, we plotted the following: IGF1=241.67406-1.98466 × age, IGFBP3=3688.60561-16.39560 × age, IGF1/IGFBP3=0.02029-0.00013233 × age. IGF1 was statistically significantly higher in males with p<0.0001 (Wilcoxon test) but decreased faster (p=0.0121). IGFBP3 was statistically significantly higher in females with p=0.0004 (Wilcoxon test) but decreased faster (p<0.0001). IGF1/IGFBP3 was statistically significantly higher in males with p<0.0001 (Wilcoxon test) but decreased faster (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Authors recommend using of a linear regression model based reference ranges for IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio and using different reference ranges for genders.

Evaluation of IGF1 serum levels in malignant melanoma and healthy subjects

BACKGROUND/AIM

There were two aims in the present study. The first was to evaluate the usefulness of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) for melanoma detection. The second was to correlate changes of serum levels of IGF1 with the Breslow score and sentinel node metastasis positivity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We examined a group of 216 cases, 77 patients with melanomas and 139 healthy probands. We determined the serum IGF1 levels of each patient using an IRMA radioisotope IGF1 assay kit. Serum samples were collected prior to surgery or any other form of treatment. All melanoma diagnoses were histologically verified.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Based on the statistical evaluation between the melanoma group and group of healthy individuals, we observed statistically significant differences in IGF1 serum levels. The median IGF1 levels in the melanoma group was 154.1 ng/ml compared to 111.2 ng/ml in the group of healthy individuals (p=0.0036). The changes of the IGF1 levels related to the Breslow score categories were statistically significant (p=0.0027). Lastly, we compared the results between the positive and negative metastatic affection of the sentinel nodes. The median IGF1 levels in the negative group was 173.5 ng/ml compared to 205.8 ng/ml in the positive group. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.0407).

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of IGF1 were significantly higher in patients diagnosed with melanoma compared to the healthy control group. The changes of the IGF1 levels related to the Breslow score categories were statistically significant. Serum levels of IGF1 were significantly higher in the group with the positive metastatic affection of the sentinel nodes than in negative patients.

CA125 and HE4 levels in a Czech female population diagnosed with endometrial cancer in preoperative management

AIM

The aim of the present study was to compare the use of cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) biomarkers in patients with endometrial cancer for preoperative management and to particularly focus on relationship between CA125 and HE4 and disease stage in predicting myometrial invasion or intrauterine tumor spread.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and 32 healthy controls were enrolled into the pilot study in the period between May 2012 and March 2013. Blood from all the females was collected and examined for CA125 and HE4. Based on standardized ultrasound examination, including gynecological examination, the clinical disease stage was determined.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference (p<0.0001) for means of serum levels of HE4: females with endometrial cancer, 75.5 pmol/l, versus healthy females, 40.0 pmol/l. A non-significant statistical difference was found for mean serum CA125 levels (p=0.4442): females with endometrial cancer 19.0 IU/l, versus healthy females, 15 IU/l. A significant correlation with histopathological disease stage was found for both biomarkers (Spearman correlation). Sensitivity and specificity, and the related cut-off for HE4 suggest that HE4 would be a more appropriate biomarker for differential diagnosis between benign and malignant states.

CONCLUSION

Based on our pilot study, we found that parallel examination of HE4 and CA125 may support endometrial ultrasound finding verification prior to biopsy. This study is ongoing and we expect that results on a larger population may enable HE4 measurement to be implemented in routine practice.

[HE4 a biomarker of ovarian cancer]

OBJECTIVE

Verification of the importance of determination of HE4 and calculation of ROMA index for increasing the efficiency of diagnosis of ovarian cancer in a population of Czech women.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty Hospital in Pilsen.

METHODS

In the period from 06/24/2010 to 12/01/2011 was at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Pilsen examined 552 patients with abnormalities in the pelvis. Patients were divided into two groups. There were 30 women with histologically confirmed malignant ovarian tumors. Another 522 women had benign findings. According to the levels of FSH were women in both groups divided into premenopausal and postmenopausal. At all women were measured CA 125, HE4 and FSH. HE4 and CA125 were determined using the chemiluminescent device Architect 1000 (Abbott, USA), FSH chemiluminescent method on the device DXI 800 (Beckman Coulter, USA). At all premenopausal women was calculated ROMA1 index and at all postmenopausal women ROMA2 index. SAS statistical software 9.2 were used for all statistical calculations.

RESULTS

The highest diagnostic efficiency was achieved by a combination of HE4 and CA125 markers with the calculation ROMA2 index for postmenopausal women. In determining of menopausal status according to the values of FSH cut-off for menopause 40 IU/L and cut-off at 26.4% for ROMA2 reaches ROMA2 sensitivity of 92.3%, specificity of 88.5% and PV- of 99.3%. If we reduce the cut-off for laboratory diagnosis of menopause using FSH at 22 IU/L, and cut-off for ROMA2 was 26.3% reaches ROMA2 sensitivity of 95.2%, specificity of 87.8% and PV- of 99.5%.

CONCLUSION

HE4 in combination with CA125 and current ROMA index calculation is a suitable methodology to improve the detection of ovarian cancer.

HE4 and ROMA index in Czech postmenopausal women

AIM

The first aim of the project was to evaluate the benefits of the determination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and the risk of ovarian malignancy algorithm (ROMA) index for primary detection of ovarian cancer in a population of Czech women. The second aim was to study the advantages HE4, cancer antigen 125 (CA125) and ROMA index for distinguishing between benign and malignant tumors. Aware of the age distribution of ovarian cancer, we focused on postmenopausal patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our group of patients consisted of 256 females, 21 with ovarian cancer and 235 with benign ovarian tumors. All diagnoses were histologically verified. We determined the serum levels of HE4 and CA125 and calculated the ROMA2 index for postmenopausal women. Serum levels of the analytes were measured using an Architect 1000i instrument. Serum samples were collected prior to surgery or any other form of treatment and the results of the two groups of patients were compared (malignant vs. benign).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in the serum levels for all parameters studied between the groups of patients with malignant and those with benign diagnoses (Wilcoxon test, p<0.0001). When all parameters were evaluated at 95% specificity, the HE4 cut-off was 112 pmol/l at a sensitivity of 71.42%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.56%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.14% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9152. The CA125 cut-off was 81 IU/l at a sensitivity of 80.95%, a PPV of 58.62%, a NPV of 98.23% and an AUC of 0.9731. ROMA2 index had a cut-off 37.70% at a sensitivity of 85.71%, a PPV of 62.06%, a NPV of 98.65% and an AUC of 0.9803. The highest diagnostic efficiency was achieved by the ROMA2 index.

CONCLUSION

Determination of HE4 along with CA125 and ROMA2 index calculation is a suitable method for the improvement of the primary detection of ovarian cancer. This approach also improves the differential diagnostic possibilities for distinguishing between malignant and benign tumors.

Growth factors and breast tumors, comparison of selected growth factors with traditional tumor markers

BACKGROUND

The first aim of this project was to study new possibilities for distinguishing benign from malignant tumors using growth factors and to compare them with the traditional tumor markers Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and Cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) for breast tumors. The second aim was to make a comparison of CEA, CA 15-3, Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF1), Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and Epidermal growth factor (EGF) for individual stages of cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our group of patients consisted of 110 females, 89 with breast cancer and 21 with benign breast tumors (fibroadenomas). Serum levels of CEA and CA 15-3 were measured using a DxI instrument. Serum levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 were measured using IRMA radioisotope assay kits. HGF and EGF were measured using an xMAP Luminex multiplex panel. Serum samples were collected prior to surgery and those of the two groups of patients were compared (malign vs. benign). Patients with diabetes mellitus were excluded from this project.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Comparing the individual parameters of serum levels between the two groups of patients (malignant vs. benign) only HGF was found to show a statistically significant difference. The mean of HGF in patients with malignant diseases prior to surgery was 3370 pg/ml compared to 1799 pg/ml in benign tumors with p=0.0016. We found significantly lower serum values of IGF1 at stage III in comparison to stages I and II: mean values: at stage I=181 ng/ml, at stage II=182 ng/ml and at stage III=70 ng/ml; stage III vs. stage II, p=0.0167.

CONCLUSION

Tumor markers are currently used for therapy monitoring in cancer patients as one of the indicators of successful therapy. Our findings correspond to existing literature. IGF1 and its binding protein IGFBP3 cannot be used to distinguish between malignant and benign tumor. HGF is considered to be a marker of progression and of the aggressiveness of breast cancer; our data fully corresponds to this. Based on our data, this marker could potentially be used as an additional tool for the differentiation between benign and malignant tumor.

Vitamin D in colorectal, breast, prostate and lung cancer: a pilot study

BACKGROUND

Many studies have demonstrated the relationship between vitamin D and cancer of many different sites, including of the breast, colorectum, prostate and lung. Most epidemiological studies have assessed the effects of dietary intake only, although endogenous production after sun exposure is the main source of vitamin D. The aim of our pilot study was to study serum levels of vitamin D in general population and in patients with different type of cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The control group consisted of 214 healthy individuals. Pathological groups of patients included 170 patients with different cancer types (28 patients with prostate cancer, 43 patients with breast cancer, 49 patients with colorectal cancer and 50 patients with lung cancer). All of the patients were enrolled in the early clinical stage of cancer up to clinical stage III. Advanced stages were not included into the study. Vitamin D serum levels were measured using ECLIA Roche method.

RESULTS

All the results for serum vitamin D from pathological groups were significantly lower compared to the levels of the control group. All the cancer types had a high incidence rate of very low serum levels of vitamin D. Lung cancer had the highest incidence rate of very low vitamin D serum levels.

CONCLUSION

We found a high incidence of hypovitaminosis D in cancer patients compared to a healthy control group among a Czech population. This incidence rate is higher in comparison to data found in literature from the other parts of the world. Based on the data from this study, a large epidemiological study monitoring vitamin D serum levels in the healthy population and in cancer patients in the Czech Republic has been already proposed.

The role of MonoTotal in the primary diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

BACKGROUND

A new cytokeratin tumor marker, MonoTotal was studied in lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide. In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients MonoTotal serum levels and their relationship to the tumor stage, histological subtype, early relapse and cancer-related death were evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

MonoTotal serum levels were studied, using immunoradiometric assay in a group of 93 patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC undergoing radical surgery, and were compared to those with benign lung diseases.

RESULTS

A diagnostic power of MonoTotal in distinguishing patients with NSCLC from benign lung diseases was demonstrated. Higher levels of MonoTotal were associated with advanced stages of squamous cell carcinoma and there was a positive correlation of marker with tumor size. Marker levels showed significant relation to disease-free survival and overall survival.

CONCLUSION

MonoTotal seems to be a potentially very interesting serum marker that, in conjunction with other clinical data, might be used for monitoring of patients with NSCLC.