MAMMARY SERUM ANTIGEN (MSA), CA-549, CA-15-3 AND CEA IN BREAST-CANCERPREOPERATIVE SENSITIVITY AND CORRELATION TO PROGNOSTIC FACTORS

previously a higher preoperative sensitivity of the mucin like glycopr otein Mammary Serum Antigen (MSA) compared to established tumor marker s was reported. The aim of our study was the comparison of MSA and CA 549, CA 15-3 and CEA in primary breast cancer and the correlation to p rognostic factors. In 119 patients MSA and CA 549 serum levels were an alysed by ELISA, CEA and CA 15-3 levels by LIA. We received the follow ing sensitivities: 30.2% for MSA (cut off = 55 U/mL), 21.8% for CA 549 (cut off = 12.6 U/mL), 20.5% for CA 15-3 (cut off = 25 U/ml) and 10.7 % for CEA (cut off = 6 ng/ml). Significant correlations were found bet ween MSA concentrations and grading (p = 0.006), tumor size (p = 0.005 ) and metastases (p = 0.03). No correlations were found to tumor type hormone receptors, lymph node status and cathepsin D. MSA is a valuabl e tumor marker with the highest preoperative sensitivity. Further stud ies on the value of MSA in the follow-up are necessary.