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Breast cancer markers during normal pregnancy
D Botsis1, A Sarandakou, D Kassanos
12nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Areteion Hospital, Athens University, Greece.
Anticancer Research
|January 12, 2000
Summary
Maternal serum levels of mucinous carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) change significantly during pregnancy, making it reliable only in early stages. CA153 is a useful marker for monitoring pregnant breast cancer patients throughout gestation.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Breast cancer patients often require monitoring during pregnancy.
- Biomarkers like MCA and CA153 are used in breast cancer management.
- Understanding biomarker behavior during pregnancy is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure MCA and CA153 in maternal serum and amniotic fluid during pregnancy.
- To evaluate the utility of MCA and CA153 for monitoring pregnant breast cancer patients.
Main Methods:
- Maternal serum and amniotic fluid samples were collected from pregnant women across trimesters and at parturition.
- MCA and CA153 levels were measured and compared to non-pregnant controls.
- Statistical analysis was performed to assess changes with gestational age.
Main Results:
- Maternal serum MCA levels significantly increased with gestational age, particularly in the third trimester and labor.
- MCA levels in amniotic fluid were substantially higher than in maternal serum and increased with gestation.
- CA153 levels in amniotic fluid were marginally higher than in maternal serum and showed no significant change with pregnancy progression.
Conclusions:
- Maternal serum MCA is significantly affected by pregnancy, limiting its reliability to early gestation.
- CA153 remains a valuable marker for monitoring pregnant patients with a history of breast cancer.
- These findings aid in selecting appropriate biomarkers for surveillance during pregnancy.