Tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) in pleural effusions.

摘要: The usefulness of tumor marker assay in pleural effusions for differential diagnosis is still debated. From the observation common antigens on tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA) and keratins 8, 18 19 vimentin, all substances contained normal neoplastic mesothelium, we felt it opportune to evaluate use TPA 105 (46 benign 59 malignant). values were much higher than those found blood. In hydrothorax median value was 454 U/l (range, 59-1923), exudative 846 258-4485), metastatic 1277 58-32352) mesotheliomas 7705 759-16000). maximum nonmalignant 4485 U/l; this taken as a cutoff level, so only 29.9% tumors positive test. Our results showed be not very important malignant effusions. Nevertheless, different patterns (66.6% positive) (15.9%) suggest that further studies are warranted.