The role of serum laminin P1 in the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

Abstract

In order to explore the possible role of serum laminin P1 in the diagnosis of transitional cell carcinoma (Tcc) of the bladder, the sera of 50 healthy control subjects and of 35 bladder-cancerous patients were measured by radioimmunoassay. In 27 patients (77%), the serum level was elevated above the upper limit of normal range. Statistically significant elevation could be determined in all stages and grades of Tcc of the bladder compared to those of normal subjects (mean +/- SD: 1.18 +/- 0.16 kU/l). Deterioration of the clinical stages or pathologic grades of the tumor was associated with a progressive increase in the mean values of serum laminin P1. A longer study with serial determination is planned to assess the prognostic significance of serum laminin in bladder cancer patients.