Synonyms: Tissue polypeptide antigen
Related tests: CEA, PSA, alpha-fetoprotein
Clinical significance
Tissue polypeptide antigen, or TPA, is a circulating complex of polypeptide fragments of cytokeratins 8, 18 and 19. Serum TPA concentration is related to cell proliferation. TPA is a general marker of carcinomas, able to reflect malignant growth in various organs. Serum levels are particularly high in metastatic and disseminated cancers.
Clinical indications
TPA testing can be useful for monitoring treatment in patients with cancers of epithelial origin, such as carcinoma of the lung, breast, digestive tract and bladder.
Sample type
The patient must have a blood sample taken.
Preparation
You must fast for at least 8 hours; a small amount of water is allowed.
Notes
High TPA values are sometimes found in some non-malignant conditions, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and biliary tract and respiratory infections.