Serum basic fetoprotein in patients with renal cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis and monitoring pose clinical challenges.
• Tumor markers play a crucial role in assessing cancer progression and treatment efficacy.
• Existing markers for RCC have limitations in sensitivity and specificity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of serum basic fetoprotein (BFP), immunosuppressive acid protein (IAP), and tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
• To assess the combined diagnostic performance of these three markers for RCC.
• To investigate the correlation of these markers with disease stage and their utility in post-operative monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Serum levels of BFP, IAP, and TPA were measured in patients diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma.
• Positive detection rates for individual markers and their combination were calculated.
• Marker levels were analyzed in relation to disease advancement (stages).
• Post-operative normalization of marker levels and correlation with clinical course were assessed.

Main Results:

• Individual marker positive rates were: BFP (47%), IAP (79%), and TPA (42%).
• Combined assay of BFP, IAP, and TPA achieved a 92% positive rate, reaching nearly 100% in advanced stages (II-IV).
• Serum BFP showed a higher normalization rate (85%) one week post-curative resection compared to IAP (18%) and TPA (67%).
• Serum BFP demonstrated a better correlation with the clinical course in inoperable patients.

Conclusions:

• The combined assay of serum BFP, IAP, and TPA significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of renal cell carcinoma.
• Serum BFP is a valuable marker for monitoring therapeutic response and clinical progression in RCC patients.
• These markers, particularly when used in combination, offer improved diagnostic and prognostic capabilities for RCC.