Circulating tumour-associated mucin concentrations, determined by the CASA assay, in healthy women

Abstract

This investigation was undertaken to establish a reference range for tumour-associated MUCl mucins in the serum of healthy women of the ages at risk for adenocarcinoma of the ovary and breast. Blood samples and clinical information were obtained from 5,000 women attending a breast screening mammography clinic. Data from women diagnosed with breast carcinoma and those subsequently diagnosed with other cancers were omitted from the reference range. Mucin concentrations were measured using the CASA assay which detects the protein core of MUCl encoded mucins. Multiple linear regression analysis showed no effect on CASA concentrations by non-malignant changes to the breast, menopausal status, pre..