Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer affecting women. After hematogenous spreading of cancer, axial skeleton is most frequently involved. Bone scintigraphy is commonly performed in detection and evaluation of bone metastases. In breast cancer, marker Ca 15-3 is widely accepted in follow-up and detection of disease recurrence. Aim of the study was to correlate levels of tumor marker Ca 15-3 and presence of bone metastases detected by bone scintigraphy. Study included 25 patients with breast cancer, previously surgically treated. All patients underwent total body scintigraphy. Ca 15-3 was measured by radioimmunoassay. Presence, number and location of bone metastases were correlated with Ca 15-3 levels. Bone scintigraphy revealed bone metastases in 16 (64%) patients. 11 (44%) patients with metastases and 1 patient (4%) without scintigraphically visible metastases had elevated Ca 15-3 levels. Significant difference in distribution of metastases was found for spine (t=3.930, p=0.008). Correlation between intensity of radiopharmaceutical uptake and level of Ca 15-3 in patients was positive (r =0.405). A weak correlation was found between number of metastases and level of Ca 15-3 (r=0.139). Significant differences in Ca 15-3 level was found in patients with metastases compared to patients without metastases (chi square 0, p =1.0). Since no significant correlation was found between level of Ca 15-3 and number of metastases, we consider scintigraphy an appropriate method for assessment of bone metastases in breast cancer.
Highlights
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer affecting women with incidence peak between age (, )
Analyzing the distribution of bone metastases the highest frequency was found for spine ( . of all metastases)
Bone scan is frequently performed in evaluation of breast cancer metastases, precise role of bone scanning at different stages of the disease is still contentious
Summary
Breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer affecting women with incidence peak between age ( , ). In diagnosis of breast cancer metastases several procedures and tests are available such as: tumor markers (CEA, Ca - ), x-rays, CT scan, magnetic resonant imaging, bone scintigraphy. These investigations aim to establish location of dissemination, make a specific diagnosis, prevent complications by early diagnosis and to assess patients response to treatment ( ). Not the latest method, bone scintigraphy is still often requested and commonly performed in detection and evaluation of bone metastases. This investigation allows highly sensitive detection of osteoblastic activity. This study was undertaken in order to correlate levels of tumor marker Ca - and presence of bone metastases detected by bone scintigraphy
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