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

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.