Recent Update on Serum Alkaline and Acid Phosphatases in Pre- and Postoperative Breast Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Breast carcinoma in females is an ever-growing malaise with significant mortality and morbidity. In resource-poor settings, the need for a cost-effective and reliable diagnostic tool is of utmost importance.
Methods: In the present study, 54 histopathologically proven breast cancer patients were investigated for their pre- and postoperative serum ALP and ACP levels.
Results: A total of 34 cases (belonging to the age interval of 40–60 years) exhibited a significant drop in serum ALP level after surgery (P = 0.002). Although the serum ACP also showed a postoperative decline, it was not as significant as that of serum ALP.
Conclusion: The role of serum ALP and ACP in the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring/surveillance of breast carcinoma cannot be underestimated particularly in third-world countries lacking in medical infrastructure or resource-poor settings.

Keywords: alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, breast cancer, malignancy