Conclusions
The combined determination of mesothelin and calretinin results in only few false-positive marker tests. Both markers are mainly influenced by renal dysfunction. The determination of cystatin C concentrations may be informative when interpreting the test results.
Results
We observed 24 mesothelin concentrations ≥1.5 nM (specificity 95.8%, 95% CI 93.8% to 97.2%) and 34 calretinin concentrations ≥1.0 ng/mL (specificity 94.0%, 95% CI 91.7% to 95.7%). Only five men had both markers above these cut-offs. Renal dysfunction and hypertension were major predictors of elevated mesothelin in addition to age. Regarding calretinin, the effect of renal dysfunction was slightly weaker and hypertension was not associated with increased concentrations. However, a diagnosis of cancer after blood collection and bronchial asthma were associated with positive calretinin results. Conclusions: The combined determination of mesothelin and calretinin results in only few false-positive marker tests. Both markers are mainly influenced by renal dysfunction. The determination of cystatin C concentrations may be informative when interpreting the test results.