Autocrine motility factor receptor as a possible urine marker for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder.

PURPOSE

To determine whether autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) is detectable in the urine of patients with transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We assayed the urine of 89 patients with bladder pathology and 28 normal controls for AMFR. A monoclonal antibody to AMFR was used.

RESULTS

All patients with muscle-invasive TCC tested positive for AMFR. Autocrine motility factor receptor was detectable for 80% of superficial tumors, with a correlation between AMFR and tumor grade. Seventy-five percent of control urines tested negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Autocrine motility factor receptor is detectable in the urine of patients with TCC. Long-term follow-up and refinements in the assay should define the marker's utility for detection and prognosis.