BTA TRAK urine test increases the efficacy of cytology in the diagnosis of low-grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Among urinary tumor markers we studied the utility of the BTA TRAK assay to diagnose transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder in highly suspiscious patients, in comparison to urine cytology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A preliminary study of 65 patients was made (21 transitional cell carcinoma (TCC), 36 without TCC and 8 excluded patients who received BCG therapy, endocavitary mytomicin or radiotherapy), using the BTA TRAK, cytology and cystoscopy.

RESULTS:

12 out of the 21 selected patients were pTa (9 G1and 3 G2), 2 carcinoma in situ (CIS), 2pT1 (1 G2 and 1 G3) and 5 muscle invasive tumors (all of them G3). Setting our cut-off at 18 U/ml, a sensitivity of 52.3% and a specificity of 88.9% was reached. BTA TRAK detected 11 out of 21 of the tumors as well as urine cytology. However, BTA TRAK was more sensitive in the detection of low grade tumors (p<0.05). When considering both tests as complementary, a combined sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 88.5% were obtained.

CONCLUSION:

BTA TRAK is a valid test for the diagnosis of TCC of the bladder, which is not superior to urine cytology but complementary. More extensive prospective studies are required to validate this application and others of the BTA TRAK assay used either alone or in combination with urinary cytology in the management of bladder cancerpatients.

• Authors: R Gibanel, M J Ribal, X Filella, A M Ballesta, R Molina, A Alcaraz, J B Alcover
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 2002 Mar-Apr Vol. 22 Issue 2B Pg. 1157-60 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 12168917 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Neoplasm
• Biomarkers, Tumor
• Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
• bladder tumor-associated antigen

Topics

• Antigens, Neoplasm (urine)
• Biomarkers, Tumor (urine)
• Carcinoma, Transitional Cell (diagnosis, pathology, urine)
• Cystoscopy
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques (methods)
• Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Urinary Bladder Neoplasms (diagnosis, pathology, urine)