Medical expert of the article

Oncologist

New publications

Mucin-like associated antigen in the blood

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

The reference values of MCA in blood serum are up to 11 IU / ml.

Mucin-like associated antigen (MCA) is an antigen present in mammary gland cells. It is a serum mucin-glycoprotein. The concentration of MCA in the serum increases with breast cancer and in 20% with benign breast diseases. ISA is used to monitor the course of breast carcinoma. At a separation point of 11 IU / ml, MCA has a specificity of 84% and a sensitivity of up to 80%, depending on the clinical stage of the tumor. When combining its definition with other markers, the sensitivity does not increase. The ISA study is used to monitor the effectiveness of surgical, chemo- and radiation treatment of breast cancer.

The content of MCA in serum is determined by:

for monitoring of patients with breast cancer;
diagnosis of distant metastases of breast cancer.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.