Diagnosis of Bone and Liver Metastases in Breast Cancer Comparing Tumor Markers and Imaging Techniques

Abstract

One hundred and forty-seven patients were examined by bone scintigraphy, ultrasonography and scintigraphic scan of the liver, at different times after surgical removal of a breast cancer, to rule out skeletal and hepatic metastases. At the same time as imaging procedures, serum levels of tumor markers (CEA, TPA and CA 15–3) were determined using radioimmunometric methods. One or more markers were elevated in all 13 patients with hepatic metastases; 9 out of 46 patients with bone metastases had all serum markers normal, with a sensitivity of 80%. Combined assay of the markers proved useful, TPA and CA 15–3 showing the best sensitivity in bone metastases, and all three markers in liver metastases.