IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE ACIDIC PROTEIN SERUM LEVELS IN BREAST-CANCER PATIENTS IN A REFERENCE TO CA-15-3 LEVELS

Immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) has been described as a tumor m arker in a number of malignant diseases. To evaluate the clinical impo rtance of IAP in breast cancer patients, IAP serum level was determine d in 75 breast cancer patients, using single radial immunodiffusion. S erum samples were also tested for CA 15-3. Cut off value for IAP was d etermined according to IAP serum level in 50 patients with benign, non inflammatory, diseases, and was set as 725 microgram/ml. Mean IAP ser um level (623 mcg/ml) and positivity rate (20%) in 24 breast cancer pa tients with active disease were similar to those in 51 breast cancer p atients with no evidence of disease (590 mcg/ml and 18%). The mean CA 15-3 serum level and positivity rate were significantly higher in pati ents with active disease (200 units/ml, 67%), compared to patients wit h no evidence of disease (18.3 units/ml, 6%). In our experience IAP wa s not found to be an effective tumor marker in breast cancer.