Tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) throughout normal pregnancy

Aim: TPS concentrations were measured throughout normal pregnancy in matern al serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF), in order to evaluate the usefulness of TPS in the follow-up of pregnancy breast cancer patients. Patients and M ethods: Following informed consent, 30 pregnant women during the 2nd trimes ter, 28 during the 3rd and 26 at parturition were included in the study. Fo r comparison 28 women in the Ist trimester and 28 healthy, non pregnant wom en (controls) were also studied. Both MS and AF antigen values were measure d by an enzyme immunoassay (BEKI Diagnostics). Results: Maternal serum TPS concentrations increased significantly with gestational age (p<0.0001), bei ng significantly higher in the 3rd trimester and during labor than those in the controls (p<0.0001). Amniotic fluid TPS values were markedly elevated compared with those in MS (p<0.0001, paired-t-test), declining significantl y from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester (p<0.0015) and labor Both MS and AF TPS values during labor depended on the mode of delivery, being higher in the cases terminated by vaginal delivery, compared to those by elective cesarea n section. Conclusion: Maternal serum TPS values are influenced significant ly by pregnancy, and thus, this antigen, as tumor marker seems to be reliab le only during early pregnancy.