Predictive value of osteocalcin and β-CrossLaps in metastatic breast cancer

Objectives: Assessment of the diagnostic value of serum CEA, CA 15.3, osteocalcin (OC) and beta-CrossLaps (beta-CTX) in the detection of metastatic breast cancer. Design and methods: This study included 47 patients with breast cancer (20 non-metastatic breast cancer, 11 bone metastasis, 11 soft tissue metastasis, 5 bone plus soft tissue metastasis), 10 patients with benign breast lesions and 13 healthy volunteers. CEA and CA 15.3 were determined using microparticle enzyme immunoassay; while OC and beta-CTX were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: CEA, CA 15.3, OC and beta-CTX median levels were higher in breast cancer patients compared to controls (p=0.006, 0.001, 0.004 and 0.038, respectively). Increased levels of OC and beta-CTX were demonstrated in bone metastatic patients compared to non-metastatic or soft tissue metastatic patients (p=0.000). Conclusions: Combined use of OC and beta-CTX could be useful in early detection of bone metastatic breast cancer which might improve the outcome of the disease. (C) 2007 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.