BR-MA, OM-MA, GI-MA and CEA: clinical evaluation using the IMMULITE analyzer

This study was designed to clinically evaluate four tumour markers on the automated chemiluminescent immunoanalyser, IMMULITE, and to compare the data obtained with those of established immunoassays. IMMULITE BR-MA and CEA were compared to the CIS ELSA CA 15-3 and either the CIS CEA-ENZELSA or TOSOH (AIA 1200) CEA in 206 serum samples from 32 breast cancer patients. A parallel reaction was mainly observed between BR-MA and CA 15-3 assays which accorded well with the clinical situation. BR-MA was more sensitive in both progressive disease and stable disease than CA 15-3. Data from the CEA assays gave a parallel response in individual patients, but the sensitivity was lower compared to BR-MA/CA 15-3. IMMULITE OM-MA was compared to CIS ELSA CA 125 in 208 sera from 32 longitudinally followed ovarian cancer patients. In the majority of patients, a parallel response was observed; lower values were found with the OM-MA assay, but no clinical discrepancies were noted. IMMULITE GI-MA and CIS ELSA CA 19-9 were evaluated in 17 colorectal cancer patients (47 serum samples). In most of the patients, the data pattern was parallel, and differences in the absolute values were only observed in a few instances. In conclusion, the IMMULITE assays corresponded well with established methods, and the data obtained support their use in the management of cancer patients.