[The plasma levels and diagnostic utility of stem cell factor (SCF) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in cervical cancer patients]

Abstract

Stem cell factor (SCF) and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) are members of a group of cytokines called hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs). Some clinical investigations have shown an autologous production of these cytokines in various human cell lines in vitro and by tumors in vivo, for example in uterine cancer. The aim of the study was to investigate the plasma levels of SCF and M-CSF in comparison for commonly accepted tumor markers, such as CA 125 and SCC-Ag in cervical cancer patients before surgery and in healthy subjects.

Material and methods: The plasma levels of cytokines were measured in 25 patients with cervical cancer 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).

Results: M-CSF plasma level was significantly higher, similarly as CA 125 and SCC-Ag, in cervical cancer patients. The diagnostic sensitivity of M-CSF was higher than SCF, CA 125 and SCC-Ag (25%, 30%, 40% respectively). The diagnostic specificity was high and equal for all tested cytokines and CA 125 (92%). Predictive value of positive results and predictive value of negative results were higher for all tested parameters, but was highest for M-CSF (83% and 69.7% respectively).

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