Monitoring Metastatic Breast Cancer with a New Assay
Author Information
Author(s): R.L. Schecter, P.P. Major, P.E. Kovac, M. Ishida, E.C. Kovalik, A.S. Dion, A. Langleben, G. Boileau, G. Boos, L. Panasci, R. Margoleses
Primary Institution: McGill Cancer Centre
Hypothesis
Can a double antibody radioimmunoassay effectively monitor breast cancer progression by quantifying specific tumor markers in serum?
Conclusion
The assay may be useful for monitoring the course of disease in breast cancer patients, as changes in marker levels can precede clinical changes.
Supporting Evidence
- 63% of patients with Stage I breast cancer had elevated marker levels.
- 88% of patients with metastatic disease showed elevated marker levels.
- Changes in marker levels preceded clinical changes by up to 6 months.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special blood test to check if breast cancer is getting worse or better by looking at certain markers in the blood.
Methodology
The study used a double antibody radioimmunoassay to measure serum levels of breast tumor markers in patients with metastatic breast cancer.
Limitations
The assay is not sensitive enough for screening asymptomatic individuals and may not detect all cases of breast cancer.
Participant Demographics
The study included 111 women with metastatic breast cancer, with varying ages and stages of disease.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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