[Clinical studies using measurement of N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx) in patients with bone metastasis--comparison with bone scintigraphy and other metabolic bone markers].

Abstract

Urinary metabolites of N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen cross-links (NTx) are known as a bone resorption marker. We performed a multi-center trial of NTx measurement in evaluation of bone metastasis. In total, 251 patients with or without bone metastasis from various malignancies were studied. Comparing with other bone markers such as urinary total deoxypyridinoline, osteocalcin, and bone specific alkaline phosphatase, NTx was the most sensitive one to detect bone metastasis and its levels correlated well with the extensiveness of bone metastasis. Measurement of NTx will be useful to determine to order bone scan in patients with malignancy and to monitor the clinical course in patients with bone metastasis.