Lectin affinity electrophoresis of serum alkaline phosphatase in metastasized breast cancer

The use of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzymes as markers of breast cancer metastases and treatment efficacy has received little attention. Twenty-six breast cancer women (56+/-13 years, all post-menopausal) were prospectively evaluated during their first and third course of chemotherapy (4-week interval). Serum samples were analyzed for ALP isoenzymes (bone, liver, and intestine) using a lectin affinity electrophoresis kit (Hydragel 15 ISO-PAL, Sebia) adapted on a semi-automated Hydrasys system (Sebia). Results were compared with imaging techniques for the presence of metastases; bone ALP isoenzyme (B-ALP) results were compared with C-Terminal degradation products of type I collagen (S-CTX) (CrossLaps, IDS Nordic). Serum B-ALP, but not S-CTX, confirmed the presence of bone metastases (BM) (n=15) with 67/100% sensitivity/specificity (using a 69 UI/L ROC cut-off); ROC AUC was 0.806 (P=0.0004) (NS for S-CTX). Chemotherapy reduced serum B-ALP by 24% over 4 weeks (P=0.0012); there was no change for S-CTX. There was no specific clinical pattern for other ALP isoenzymes (liver and intestine). In conclusion, serum B-ALP, but not S-CTX, could help confirm the presence of BM in breast cancer patients.