A new immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) system for thyroglobulin measurement in the follow-up of thyroid cancer patients.
A new commercially available kit for thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement [immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) system based on monoclonal antibodies] was used in 479 patients with thyroid carcinoma. The effective working range was 1 ng/ml, and results were strongly correlated with our homemade radioimmunoassay (RIA). This IRMA method is less susceptible to interferences of auto-antibodies than our RIA. During thyroxine (T4) treatment, the Tg level was undetectable in 98% of patients after total thyroid ablation, in 91% after total thyroidectomy and in 42% after lobectomy only. In this situation, Tg was found in all patients with large metastases and in 88% of those with small metastases. Following T4 withdrawal, Tg was detectable in all patients with neoplastic disease and in 13% of those in complete remission after total thyroid ablation. In conclusion, Tg measured with this IRMA method appears to be a reliable marker of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Schlumberger
M
M
Médicine Nucléaire, INSERM U66, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif, France.
Fragu
P
P
Gardet
P
P
Lumbroso
J
J
Violot
D
D
Parmentier
C
C
D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013954:Thyroglobulin / Q000097:blood*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000601:surgery; D013965:Thyroidectomy
D013954:Thyroglobulin