Background: To examine the prognostic value of markers of bone metabolism (serum PINP, BAP, and CTX-I) and serum YKL-40 in metastatic prostate carcinoma (PC).
Methods: The biomarkers were determined by ELISAs in 153 metastatic PC patients before treatment with parenteral estrogen or total androgen ablation. The median follow-up was 4.9 years. One hundred fifteen patients died.
Results: The biomarkers were increased in the patients compared to controls (P < 0.001), and related to performance status and Soloway score (except YKL-40), but not to T-category and WHO tumor grade. PINP was elevated in 87%, BAP (55%), CTX-I (33%), and YKL-40 (43%). Univariate analysis showed an association to survival: PINP (HR = 1.6, P < 0.0001), BAP (HR = 1.4, P < 0.0001), CTX-I (HR = 1.7, P < 0.0001), and YKL-40 (HR = 1.4, P = 0.004). In multivariate Cox analysis performance status, WHO grade, Soloway score, PINP, and YKL-40 were independently predictive factors.
Conclusions: High serum PINP, BAP, CTX-I, and YKL-40 are associated with poor outcome of metastatic PC patients.