Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) as a serum marker for bone resorption in breast cancer patients with bone metastases.
BACKGROUND
A novel immunoassay specific for the osteoclast-produced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase TRAP isoform 5b was developed some years ago. By means of this assay, the usefulness of serum TRAP in monitoring the response to palliative treatment with clodronate in breast cancer patients with bone metastases was studied. Serum TRAP was examined for correlation with the activity of bone osteoclasts in these patients.


METHODS
Seventeen patients took part in this study taking 1600 mg clodronate daily as a tablet for five months. Eleven of these patients were evaluated.


RESULTS
TRAP activity correlated well with the grade of bone metastases and with the number of locations in the body. During the therapy with clodronate, TRAP activity in serum decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the measurement of TRAP is useful in monitoring treatment with bisphosphonate clodronate in patients with bone metastatic breast cancer.
Tauchert
S
S
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Caritas Hospital St Theresia, Saarbrücken, Germany. sascha.tauchert@gmx.de
di Liberto
A
A
Cordes
T
T
Thill
M
M
Salehin
D
D
Friedrich
M
M
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000556:secondary*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000097:blood*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D004002:Clodronic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000097:blood*; D010166:Palliative Care; D000071681:Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase
D015415:Biomarkers; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D007527:Isoenzymes; D004002:Clodronic Acid; D000135:Acid Phosphatase; D000071681:Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase