hPLAP (human placental alkaline phosphatase) is a marker for diagnosis and monitoring of seminomas.
hPLAP is present in the serum of pregnant women, from the second trimester onwards, produced by the placental trophoblast.
The discovery of hPLAP by the group of W.H. Fischman in serum and tumor tissue of a male cancer patient, extensive research has indicated that in a number of types of cancer hPLAP is present in the patient's serum.
The application of monoclonal antibodies specific for hPLAP enables measurement of this enzyme without interference from other alkaline phosphatase (AP, EC 3.1.3.1) isoenzymes.
The hPLAP assay is an additional tool in the confirmation of diagnosis and in the monitoring of cancer patients, particularly those with seminoma, testicular, or ovarian cancer. Persistently increasing hPLAP levels can be associated with progressive malignant disease or poor response to therapy, whereas declining hPLAP levels may indicate response to treatment or of recovery.
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