[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of stem cell factor and macrophage--colony stimulating factor in endometrial cancer patients]

Abstract

We have investigated the plasma levels of SCF and M-CSF and commonly accepted tumor markers, such as CA 125 and SCC-Ag in endometrial cancer patients. The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 25 patients and in 25 healthy subjects. SCF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CA 125 and SCC-Ag were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA). SCF and CA 125 plasma levels were significantly higher in endometrial cancer patients when compared to the control group. The diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested parameters, similarly to tested tumour markers. The diagnostic sensitivity was the highest when SCF, M-CSF and CA 125 or all parameters were combined. Positive and negative predictive values were so high for tested cytokines, as for compared markers. Our study suggests that both tested hematopoietic cytokines can be clinically useful in endometrial cancer diagnostics, but further investigation and confirmation in a prospective study is necessary.