Serum total acid phosphatase for monitoring the clinical course of giant cell tumors of bone - 26 Patients with 5 local recurrences

Abstract

Background: Giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) is a bone-destroying tumor that sometimes recurs locally after treatment. A recent study showed increased levels of serum total acid phosphatase (TACP). Methods: We assessed TACP in the serum of 26 patients with primary GCT, and in 5 of them who developed a local recurrence. Results: We found a correlation between TACP level in serum and tumor size. TACP levels that were elevated preoperatively in patients with GCT became normalized after surgery, but increased in 3 of the 5 patients with local recurrence. Interpretation: TACP could be used as a tumor marker for monitoring response to treatment of GCT. Copyright © Taylor & Francis 2005.