Markers of Bone Metastases in Breast and Lung Cancers

Abstract

Aim and <b>Background:</b> The aim of the present study was to evaluate correlations between serum osteocalcin,osteoprotegerin and NTX (Cross-linked N-telopeptides of Type I Collagen) and urinary NTX in breast andlung cancer patients with bone metastases. These four markers are considered to have important roles in boneformation, resorption and metastases. <br/><b>Methods</b>: Four markers were determined in the sera of 60 breast cancerand 21 lung cancer patients and healthy controls (n=30). Serum levels were studied using ELISA and EIA.<br/><b>Results</b>: The median levels of serum osteoprotegerin (p<0.001) and osteocalcin (p=0.003) were higher in patients.Significant correlations were observed between the serum NTX-osteocalcin (r=0.431; p<0.001), serum NTXosteoprotegerin(r=0.42; p=0.003) and serum NTX - urine NTX (r=0.255; p=0.022). <br/><b>Conclusion</b>: We concludethat osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin and NTX are independent diagnostic tools. Due to the ease of urine collection,urine NTX may be applied routinely to allow early detection of bone metastases and indicate progression of thedisease.