Serum transcobalamin II levels in breast carcinoma patients.

Serum levels of transcobalamin II (TCII) were determined in 139 patients with breast carcinoma. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 74 patients with no evidence of active disease at the primary site or in complete remission. Serum levels of TCII were normal (up to 1,500 pg/ml) in 60 patients (81%) and moderatelyy elevated (up to 1,900 pg/ml) in 14 patients (19%) in this group. Group B consisted of 65 patients with active disease. Serum TCII levels were normal in 23 patients (35%) and were markedly elevated (up to 2,500 pg/ml) in 42 patients (65%). In Group B, 56 patients had widespread metastatic disease and 9 had active locoregional disease. Whether the moderately elevated TCII in the 14 patients of Group A with no evidence of disease and the normal TCII in the 23 patients of Group B with active disease is of prognostic value, will be determined by follow-up and close monitoring of the patients. Preliminary results of serial determinations of TCII indicate that changes in the TCII level generally correlate with the clinical course of the disease and the effects of therapy. These data indicate that TCII serum level may be useful as a marker for tumor activity in breast carcinoma.