SERUM PLACENTAL-TYPE ALKALINE-PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN WOMEN WITH SQUAMOUS AND GLANDULAR MALIGNANCIES OF THE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT

Aim-To investigate serum placental-type alkaline phosphatase (PLAP-typ e) activities in women with squamous and glandular malignancies of the reproductive tract using an immunoradiometric assay. Methods-PLAP-typ e immunoreactivity was measured in 180 women with nonovarian malignanc ies of the reproductive tract and the values were compared with those from 334 controls. The cases comprised 18 vulval, nine vaginal, 103 ce rvical, 46 endometrial, and five fallopian tube cancers. Results-Serum PLAP-type activities were no different from controls in with squamous cell tumours. with adenocarcinoma of the cervix, endometrium, and fal lopian tube had increased values: women with endometrial cancer had a median value nearly four times greater than that of controls. There wa s no direct correlation between PLAP-type activities and stage of dise ase in patients with endometrial cancer, but values reverted to normal after treatment. Conclusions--Serum PLAP-type measurements are of no value in the management of patients with squamous cell tumours of the female reproductive tract. Raised activities can, however, be found in glandular tumours, in particular endometrial cancer where serum PLAP- type measurements may be of value in predicting remission.