Quantitative detection of human complement factor H-related protein in transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess a new quantitative urinary tumor marker for transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder (TCC), human complement factor H-related protein (hCFHrp, BTA TRAK^TM). Methods: Urine samples of 298 individuals (76 healthy volunteers, 118 patients with benign urologic disorders, 104 patients with histologically proven bladder cancer) were examined for the presence of hCFHrp. Samples of all patients were obtained prior to therapy. Results: In comparison to healthy volunteers, patients with TCC had significantly higher urinary levels of hCFHrp (117.60 vs. 2.05 U/ml; p Conclusions: HCFHrp (BTA TRAK^TM) is a sensitive test for detection of bladder cancer and for identification of patients at high risk. Due to a high rate of false-positive results in patients with benign urologic diseases, the test should not be used in an unselected population.