role of some biochemical markers in predicting bone metastases in breast cancer patients

ABSTRACT

The study aimed to assess serum levels of BALP, CA 15-3, TGF-beta 1 and PTHrP in female patients with the stages II and IV of breast cancer in order to evaluate the role of these substances in the development and pathogenesis of bone metastases. This study was performed on 66 female patients with breast cancer, 42 patients with stage II and 24 patients with stage IV breast cancer [12 with bone metastases and 12 with non bone metastases]. Twelve healthy women were used as a control group. Liver function tests, kidney function tests and bone metabolism markers [serum calcium, phosphorus and bone specific alkaline phosphatase levels] were determined. Urinary calcium/creatinine and phosphorus/creatinine ratios and the incidence of proteinuria were calculated. Serum CA 15-3, TGF-beta 1 and PTHrP levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]