Changes in Serum Immunosuppressive Acidic Protein Following Radical Nephrectomy in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma

Kim, Sang Jin; Choi, Han Yong; Yoon, Jong Min; Chai, Soo Eung

Abstract

PURPOSE
The serum immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) has been reported to be a useful tumor marker for renal cell carcinoma. In a previous study, the serum levels of IAP were shown to be related to the TNM stages and the nuclear grades in patients with renal cell carcinoma. The effectiveness of the IAP as a follow-up marker for renal cell carcinoma was evaluated.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In 135 patients who underwent a radical or partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma, the serum concentrations of the IAP were measured by radial immunodiffusion preoperatively and postoperatively every 3 months. The changes in the serum IAP levels in the follow-up were recorded, and the change in the recurrence group was compared with that of the non-recurrence group.
RESULTS
The mean age of 135 patients (male 87, female 48) was 52.2 12.3 (18-86) years. At follow-up, metastatic recurrences were observed in 8 patients an average of 18.4 months after surgery. The metastatic lesions were found in the bone in 3 patients, the liver in 2, the lung in 2 and the spleen in 1. In patients with an increased serum IAP preoperatively, the IAP levels were significantly lower 7-9 months postoperatively (p<0.05) (from 752.4 296.8microgram/ml to 465.9 88.9microgram/ml). With the metastatic recurrence, the serum IAP level was continuously higher.
CONCLUSIONS
The serum IAP might be a valuable tool in following up a renal cell carcinoma for a postoperative recurrence.