Detection of Ca Antigen in Breast Disease
Author Information
Author(s): A.B. Goodall, C.J. Evans, D. Trivedi, R.C. Coombes, S.M. Chantler
Primary Institution: The Wellcome Research Laboratories
Hypothesis
Measurement of circulating Ca antigen would be helpful in discriminating between benign and malignant breast disease.
Conclusion
The presence of Ca antigen in human serum is not exclusive to malignancy and fails to discriminate between primary carcinoma and non-malignant conditions of the breast.
Supporting Evidence
- Circulating Ca antigen was found in 100 healthy individuals and patients with both benign and malignant breast disease.
- 50% of patients with metastatic spread had significantly elevated levels of Ca antigen.
- The Inhibition-RIA assay showed a good correlation with the IRMA assay (r=0.987).
- Measurement of circulating Ca antigen failed to discriminate between primary carcinoma and benign conditions.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called Ca antigen is found in both healthy people and those with breast disease, making it hard to tell if someone has cancer just by looking at this substance.
Methodology
Two assay procedures, Inhibition-RIA and IRMA, were used to detect circulating Ca antigen in serum samples from normal individuals and patients with breast disease.
Limitations
The study could not determine the prognostic value of Ca antigen levels in individual patients.
Participant Demographics
Included 100 healthy individuals, 39 patients with benign disease, and 93 patients with malignant breast disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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