Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b as serum marker of bone metabolism in cancer patients.

Background: The serum marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRACP 5b) is considered a specific parameter of osteoclast activity and a useful marker of bone resorption. Regarding the utility of TRACP 5b in bone metastases, this review aims to draw clinically relevant conclusions.

Materials And Methods: The available literature data regarding the laboratory methods, the characteristics of TRACP 5b and the clinical data, as well as our own results about TRACP 5b in cancer patients has been reviewed.