Mucin-Like Carcinoma-Associated Antigen (MCA) in Breast Cancer: Clinical Experience at the National Cancer Institute of Milan

Mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) during normal pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To assess the usefulness of Mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) in monitoring pregnant patients with breast cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Maternal serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF) antigen values were measured by an enzyme immunoassay in 30 pregnant women during the second trimester, in 28 during the third and in 26 at parturition. Sera only from 26 women in the first trimester and from 26 healthy, non-pregnant women (controls) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Maternal serum MCA concentrations increased significantly with gestational age (p<0.0001). The frequency of elevated serum values was 5% in the first, 35% in the second and 100% in the third trimester and at parturition. Antigen values in AF were markedly higher than those in MS (p<0.0001) and increased also significantly with advancing gestation (p<0.0001). A strong correlation was observed between MS and AF antigen values (r=0.77, p<0.0001). Maternal serum values at parturition were dependent on the mode of delivery, being higher in the cases who delivered vaginally, compared to those delivered by elective caesarean section (p<0.006).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that pregnancy affects significantly maternal serum MCA. Consequently, MCA seems to be a non-reliable marker in monitoring pregnant patients.

Tumor markers. An update

Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in developed countries, and the incidence of certain tumors is increasing despite emphasis on prevention and screening. Tumor markers are biologic or biochemical substances that are produced by tumor cells and then secreted into the circulation in detectable amounts. This article covers some of the more common tumor markers currently being utilized for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.