Total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (total P1NP) as a bone metastasis marker in gynecological carcinomas.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was the investigation of the diagnostic value of the amino-terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP) and the tumour markers, CA 15-3 and CA 125, in patients with breast and ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum levels of P1NP, CA 15-3 and CA 125 were analyzed using specific immunoassays. Baseline serum samples of 66 patients with metastatic breast cancer and 34 patients with metastatic ovarian cancer under chemotherapy were investigated. RESULTS P1NP concentrations were elevated in up to 70% of patients with confirmed bone metastases. The P1NP levels were significantly higher in patients with bone metastases (median: 134 ng/ml) than in those without bone spread (median: 58.5 ng/ml). CONCLUSION Markers of biochemical bone remodeling can be used in assessing and managing patients with malignancies that metastasize to bone. These markers are abnormally raised in the blood of patients with metastatic bone disease.