[Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) as a candidate for the tumor marker of breast cancer]

Macrophage--colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) is one of the glycoproteins called colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Some clinical investigations have shown autologous production of M-CSF various human cell lines in vitro and by tumors in vivo. We have investigated the plasma level of M-CSF and commonly accepted tumour markers, such as CA 15-3 in breast cancer. The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 30. patients with breast cancer before surgery and 20. healthy subjects. The patients were divided into two groups: A (stage I) and B (stage II). M-CSF was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 15-3 was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). Mean M-CSF and CA 15-3 plasma levels were significantly higher in breast cancer patients compared to the control group. The M-CSF level was significantly higher (statistical significance) in group B (II stage) when compared to group A (I stage) and group B to control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF were related to the stage of disease (group A--10%, group B--40%) and combined use with CA 15-3 (group A--30%, group B--65%). These results suggest a potential role for M-CSF as tumour marker for breast cancer.