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Serum immunosuppressive acid protein predicts lymph node metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma
K Pummer1, P Pürstner, H L Auner
1Department of Urology, University of Graz, Austria.
Objective:
To evaluate the usefulness of serum immunosuppressive acid protein (IAP) as a marker for lymph node metastases in patients with renal cell carcinoma.
Patients And Methods:
Serum IAP levels were studied in 73 patients with renal cell carcinoma, prior to therapy. Serum IAP levels were correlated with the clinical and the post-operative histopathological stage. A threshold value of 800 micrograms/ml was applied.
Results:
Statistical analysis revealed a better correlation between IAP concentration and disease than with any other variable. Sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 84%, respectively, thus providing good positive (65%) and negative (98%) predictive values regarding lymph node involvement.
Conclusion:
Measuring serum IAP levels can be a valuable contribution to lymph node staging in patients with renal cell cancer. The choice of cut-off value of 800 micrograms/ml has yet to be supported by a larger series.