Usability Evaluation of Urinary HAI-1, STMN-1 and TN-C in the Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer

<b>Background</b>: Proteins with different functions, such as Hepatocyte growth factor activator inhibitor type 1 (HAI-1), Stathmin 1 (STMN-1), and Tenascin C (TN-C), whose activity has been observed in various types of cancers, inspired our study in bladder cancer (BC) patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate selected parameters and their combinations in the diagnosis of BC. The study took into account the degree of invasiveness and malignancy of BC. Based on the analysis of the Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), the diagnostic value of single parameters and their combinations as potential indicators of BC was assessed. <b>Patients and Methods</b>: The research material consisted of urine samples from patients with BC, and urine samples from a control group without urological diseases. The concentrations of the examined parameters were measured using an immunoenzymatic method. <b>Results</b>: Statistically significant higher concentrations of HAI-1 (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), STMN-1 (≤0.001) and TN-C (0.002) were found in the patients with BC compared to the control group. Strong relationships were shown between these parameters. ROC analyses showed that the best single parameter for detecting BC is STMN-1, and in the combination of HAI-1+STMN-1. The highest diagnostic value was obtained for the combination of HAI-1+STMN-1 in the patients with high malignancy (sensitivity 82%, specificity 91%). <b>Conclusions</b>: Preliminary studies of parameters have shown their utility as potential markers in BC, especially of STMN-1 and combinations HAI-1+STMN-1. However, to learn more about the contribution of these parameters to the progression of bladder cancer, it would be appropriate to continue the studies.