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The clinical value of tissue factor assays
J L Francis1, M Carvalho, D A Francis
1Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Unit, Walt Disney Memorial Cancer Institute, Florida Hospital, Altamonte Springs 32701, USA.
Summary
Tissue factor (TF) is a key activator of blood clotting. Measuring TF in blood, urine, or plasma shows potential for diagnosing and monitoring diseases like cancer, but standardized methods are needed.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tissue factor (TF) is the primary physiological activator of blood coagulation.
- TF expression by monocytes is a known trigger for intravascular coagulation in various diseases.
- Recent advances in TF biochemistry have increased interest in its measurement in disease states.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding and measurement of tissue factor (TF) in disease.
- To explore the diagnostic and prognostic potential of TF detection in urine and plasma.
- To highlight the need for standardized methodologies in TF activity assessment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TF measurement in blood, urine, and plasma.
- Discussion of TF expression by monocytes and its role in coagulation.
- Analysis of urinary TF as a marker for renal macrophage activation and cancer.
- Consideration of soluble TF (sTF) assays in plasma.
Main Results:
- TF expression by monocytes is linked to intravascular coagulation and has clinical potential.
- Urinary TF is elevated in cancer, suggesting diagnostic and prognostic value.
- Soluble TF can be measured in plasma using commercially available assays.
- Widespread clinical application of TF measurements awaits methodological consensus.
Conclusions:
- TF measurement holds significant clinical potential for disease diagnosis and prognosis.
- Urinary TF may serve as a biomarker in various malignant diseases.
- Further research is required to understand the source and function of soluble TF and to establish standardized measurement protocols.