Mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) during normal pregnancy

Objective: To assess the usefulness of Mucin-like carcinoma-associated anti gen (MCA) in monitoring pregnant patients with breast cancer. Study design: Maternal serum (MS) and amniotic fluid (AF) antigen values were measured b p an enzyme immunoassay in 30 pregnant women during the second trimester, i n 28 during the third and in 26 at parturition. Sera only from 26 women in the first trimester and from 26 healthy, non-pregnant women (controls) were also analyzed. Results: Maternal serum MCA concentrations increased signif icantly with gestational age (p<0.0001). The frequency of elevated serum va lues was 5% in the first, 35% in the second and 100% in the third trimester and at parturition. Antigen values in AF were markedly higher than those i n MS (p<0.0001) and increased also significantly with advancing gestation ( p<0.0001). A strong correlation was observed between MS and AF antigen valu es (r=0.77. p<0.0001). Maternal serum values at parturition were dependent on the mode of delivery, being higher in the casts who delivered vaginally, compared to those delivered by elective caesarean section (p<0.006). Concl usion. Our data suggest that pregnancy affects significantly maternal serum MCA. Consequently, MCA seems to be a non-reliable marker in monitoring pre gnant patients. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.