Simple method for comparing reliability of two serum tumour markers in breast carcinoma. Issue 2 (February 1994)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: O'Brien, D P; Gough, D B; Skehill, R; Grimes, H; Given, H F
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 47:Issue 2(1994)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 1994-02
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jcp.47.2.134
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : AIMS--To compare the two breast tumour markers, CA15-3 and mucinous-like carcinoma associated antigen (MCA), using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. METHODS--One hundred and ninety six patients "presenting" with breast carcinoma had serum CA15-3 and MCA concentrations measured. RESULTS--Using these markers as indicators of stage IV disease at the recommended laboratory level, true positive rates (TPR) and false positive rates (FPR) were obtained as follows: CA15-3 TPR = 75%, FPR = 7.4%, MCA TPR = 80%, FPR = 59.1%. By increasing the CA15-3 cutoff level to 45 U/ml, a TPR and FPR of 75% and 0.6%, respectively were obtained. By increasing the MCA cutoff level to 23 U/ml, a TPR and FPR of 65% and 2.3%, respectively, were obtained. CONCLUSIONS--Using ROC curve analysis shows that CA15-3 is a superior indicator of metastatic breast disease than MCA at recommended laboratory levels, and by altering the cutoff points, the specificity and sensitivity for both these markers can be improved.