Breast cancer markers during normal pregnancy

Aim: To measure MCA and CA153 concentrations in maternal serum (MS) and amn iotic fluid (AF) paired samples during normal pregnancy, in order to evalua te the usefulness of these markers in monitoring pregnant patients with a h istory of breast cancer. Patients and Methods: Serum and AF MCA and CA153 v alues were measured in 20 pregnant women during the Ist trimester, 29 cases in the 2nd 26 in the 3rd and ia nt parturition and compared with those of 20 healthy, age-matched non pregnant women (controls). Results: MS values o f MCA increased significantly with gestational age (p<0.0001), being higher in the 3rd trimester and in labor than in control values (p<0.0001). MCA v alues in AF were remarkably higher than those in MS and increased significa ntly with advancing gestation (p<0.0001). In contrast, CA153 values in AF, which were marginally higher than in MS, did not differ significantly with the progression of pregnancy. Conclusions: Maternal serum MCA values are si gnificantly influenced during pregnancy. Thus, this marker seems to be reli able only during early pregnancy. In contrast, CA153 remains a useful marke t in monitoring pregnant breast cancer patients.