[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and macrophage - colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in ovarian cancer patients]

Abstract

G-CSF and M-CSF are of the glycoproteins called colony-stimulating factors (CSFs). Some clinical investigations have shown an autologous production of G-CSF and M-CSF in various human cell lines in vitro and by tumors in vivo.

Aim of study: We have investigated the plasma levels and diagnostic utility of G-CSF M-CSF and commonly accepted tumor marker, such as CA 125 in ovarian cancer patients before surgery and healthy subjects.

Material and methods: We tested 30 patients with ovarian cancer and 30 healthy women (control group). G-CSF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CA 125 was measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA).

Results: G-CSF, M-CSF and CA 125 plasma levels were significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to the control group. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF was higher than for G-CSF and CA 125 (57%, 50% i 53%, respectively). The diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested parameters (93%). Positive predictive value was higher for M-CSF and CA 125 (equal 89%). Negative predictive value was the highest for M-CSF in comparison to G-C.SF and CA 125 (68%, 65%, 66,7%, respectively).

Conclusions: Our study suggests that especially M-CSF can be clinically useful in diagnostic ovarian cancer, but further investigation and confirmation by a prospective study is necessary.