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.