This study compares the clinical value of the breast cancer tumour makers CA549 and TPS, and their tandem use when one or both markers indicate abnormality. For 144 patients presenting with active disease, 33 were classified as Stage I, 37 as Stage II, 40 as Stage III and 34 as Stage IV. For these patients the sensitivity of CA549 using a cut-off of 10 U/ml was 27%, 32%, 42% and 79%, respectively. The sensitivity of TPS for each stage using a cut-off of 100 U/l was 12%, 22%, 28% and 73%, respectively. At these cut-off levels, 36%, 46%, 63% and 91% of patients, respectively, have either CA549 or TPS or both markers raised. For 161 patients with diagnosed benign breast disease, the specificity of marker levels was 96% for CA549, 88% for TPS and 84% for tandem use. CA549 is shown to be superior to TPS and this was confirmed by Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis using variable threshold levels, with the areas under the curves for all stages combined being 0.74 +/- 0.03 (ISD) and 0.66 +/- 0.03, respectively. The corresponding area under the curve for tandem use (0.75 +/- 0.03) is marginally greater than for either individual marker, although the difference with respect to CA549 is statistically insignificant.

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Following an IV injection of lmCi 99mTc – DTPA (Sn) 1.000 sec data are collected using a gamma camera and computer. Sixteen 60 sec frames are displayed on a Varian Statos grey-scale hard copy to give a qualitative dynamic display of renal uptake and excretion of chelate, and demonstrate the renal parenchyma and excretory system. Concurrent computer processing of the data produces combined uptake/excretion curves for both kidneys. Subsequently the glomerular filtration rate is measured using an external arm counting technique. Combining the results gives static and dynamic scintigrams of the renal parenchymal and collecting systems and a quantitative assessment of renal function.

No abstract