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A Clinical Evaluation of Serum C3DP Levels in Individuals with Malignant Diseases¹

Department of Microbiology [R. G. P., S. O. H., J. A. H.] and Hematology [R. L. L.], Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation, La Jolla, California 92037

A human serum DNA-binding protein (C3DP) derived from complement component C3 has been found in elevated concentrations in the sera of individuals with malignant diseases. An assay system has been devised which reveals quantitative values of serum C3DP levels. Results obtained using this system indicate that normal human sera have an average C3DP level of 83 µg/ml (range, 40 to 146), whereas sera from individuals with active carcinomas have an average C3DP level of 242 µg/ml (range, 146 to 400). Sera from individuals with active leukemias, lymphomas, and melanomas all had elevated levels of C3DP, whereas sera from individuals with polycythemia vera or other nonmalignant diseases had normal or only slightly elevated C3DP concentrations. No tissue specificity seems to be required for malignant growths to result in elevated C3DP serum concentrations. The levels of C3DP in 79% of the individuals who experienced disease remission were found to decline to normal values, concurrent with the disease regression. Patients who did not respond to therapy regimens retained high C3DP levels.

¹ This project was supported by NIH Research Grants GM 19416, CA 13465, and CA 17563 awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Cancer Institute USPHS, Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Parts of this research were supported by the Patti L. Pieri Memorial Fund.

² Recipient of Fellowship GM 05148-01 awarded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.

³ Recipient of Research Career Development Award CA 00004-01, awarded by the National Cancer Institute.

Received 6/ 9/76. Accepted 12/ 1/76.