Objectives: To assess the diagnostic quality of human complement factor H-related protein (hcfHrp, BTA STATTM) as a qualitative urinary marker for bladder cancer. Methods: Urine samples of 354 individuals (76 healthy volunteers, 111 patients with benign urologic disorders, 167 patients with histologically proven bladder cancer) were examined prior to therapy for the presence of hcfHrp. Results: Overall test sensitivity was 62.9%. Sensitivity of low-grade/low-stage tumors was <50% and was thus comparable to published sensitivities of urinary cytology. In high-stage, high-grade tumors sensitivity was 100 and 77.3%, respectively. Superficial tumors with high risk of progression (pT1G3) were detected significantly better (88.9% sensitivity) than low-risk superficial tumors (pTa G1–3/pT1G1–2; 48.2%; p < 0.001). The overall specificity (healthy individuals and patients with benign urologic disease) was 93.0%. Conclusion: Since test sensitivity is comparable to urinary cytology and specificity is excellent, hcfHrp should be further evaluated in prospective studies focussing on the follow-up of patients with bladder cancer.

Keywords:
Carcinoma, transitional cell, Diagnosis, Tumor markers, biological
This content is only available via PDF.
© 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel
2000
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.