Evaluation of urine tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, CYFRA 21-1, and urinary bladder cancer antigen for detection of high-grade bladder carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of urine tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI), CYFRA 21-1, which measures cytokeratin 19 fragment, and urinary bladder carcinoma antigen (UBC) for the detection of high-grade bladder carcinoma.

METHODS

A total of 160 individuals were enrolled in the present study. Of these, 80 were patients with proven primary high-grade urothelial bladder cancer (group 1), 40 were healthy volunteers (group 2), and 40 had history of benign urologic disease (group 3). All were evaluated with respect to urinary TATI, CYFRA 21-1, and UBC levels. All these markers were evaluated using commercial kits. Cytology was also performed.

RESULTS

The TATI measurements were significant greater in group 1 compared with groups 2 and 3. The cutoff point used for TATI, CYFRA 21-1, and UBC was 22, 2.8, and 12 microg/L, respectively. The overall sensitivity was 85.7% for TATI, 61.9% for CYFRA 21-1, 50% for UBC, and 42.8% for cytology. TATI was significantly more sensitive in Stage Ta (80%) than was CYFRA 21-1 (32%), UBC (12%), and cytology (20%). TATI was also more sensitive compared with other tumor markers for Stage T1 but not for Stage T2 or T3.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study have shown that TATI is a promising urinary tumor marker for high-grade urothelial bladder cancer. It is more sensitive than CYFRA 21-1, UBC, and cytology for Stage Ta and T1 bladder cancer.