Bladder tumor-associated antigen

Bladder tumor-associated antigen (BTA), a human complement factor H, is produced by bladder cancer cells (men two to three times as often as women). Cancer cells are sometimes seen in urine samples by microscope cytoscopy (examination of the bladder with an instrument inserted into the urethra), which can reveal abnormal areas. Biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Early stage cancer confined to the bladder wall can often be removed with a cytoscope. If several tumors are present, they are removed by infusing the bladder with a solution containing bacteria able to stimulate the immune system. 

The most common BTA test is an immunoassay-based assay that uses monoclonal antibodies to detect the presence of bladder tumor-associated antigen in urine. In clinical studies, the BTA test was compared with cytoscopy-voided urine for the detection of recurrent bladder cancer. The sensitivity of BTA appeared su-... 

Comparison between Bladder Tumor-Associated Antigen (BTA) and Cytology... 

Sarosdy, M. F., deVere, R. W Soloway, M. S. Sensitivity of bladder tumor-associated antigen compared to cytology. J. Urol. 154, 379-384 (1995). 

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