Usefulness of bone marrow serum acid phosphatase in staging carcinoma of the prostate

Fourteen patients with histologically proven adenocarcinoma of the prostate were evaluated for extent of their disease. Venous serum acid phosphatase, bone marrow serum acid phosphatase, histologic examination of the bone marrow, skeletal roentgenograms, and flourine (18F1) total body bone scans were performed. Bone marrow acid phosphatase was measured in serum obtained from aspiration from the posterior superior iliac crest. The procedure was found to be easily performed with minimal patient discomfort and produced the greatest yield in detecting metastatic disease. The study resulted in more advanced disease being found in 9 of the 14 patients. The use of bone marrow serum acid phosphatase determination is advocated in the staging of all patients with carcinoma of the prostate.