The Regan isoenzyme is a placental-type ALP found in non-pregnant individuals, produced ectopically by tumour cells. Its presence outside of pregnancy warrants investigation for malignancy, particularly lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers.
FAQs
What is the difference between Regan isoenzyme and Placental ALP?
They are the same entity — placental-type ALP. Placental ALP is the term during pregnancy; Regan isoenzyme is the historical name when found ectopically in cancer patients.
Which cancers produce the Regan isoenzyme?
Lung adenocarcinoma, ovarian, breast, and some gastrointestinal malignancies can ectopically produce it. It is not specific to a single cancer type.
Is it routinely tested?
No. It is part of specialised ALP isoenzyme analysis when the source of elevated total ALP needs characterisation.
Can smoking cause a positive result?
Smoking has a weak association with mild elevation, but any detectable result should be clinically evaluated rather than attributed to smoking without investigation.
