Tumor markers in pancreatic cancer. Sensitivity and specificity of CA19-9

F. Safi, R. Roscher, H. G. Beger

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The tumor marker CA 19-9 is based on monoclonal antibody to colonic carcinoma cell lines. In this study, the utility of the tumor marker in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma was evaluated. CA 19-9 is strongly expressed in most tissue specimens obtained from pancreatic carcinomas. However, this antigen is also found in normal pancreas and specimens from chronic pancreatitis. The CA 19-9 is released into the circulation, and was found at increased concentration (> 37 U/ml) in 87% of the patients with pancreatic carcinoma N = 145, as compared with only 13% in the group of patients with benign diseases n = 1,081 and 29% of those with extrapancreatic malignancies n = 691 (P < 0.0001). The preoperatively raised CA 19-9 concentration in patients with stage I pancreatic carcinoma decreases after curative resection of the carcinoma to values wtihin the normal range. However, in no CA 19-9 estimation following palliative surgical intervention of stage III and IV patients or in cases of inoperable carcinomas was a serum concentration of less than 37 U/ml recorded. Accordingly, the median survival of stage I patients was 29 months, and of stage III, IV and patients with inoperable carcinomas 6 months only.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)419-423
Number of pages5
JournalHepato-Gastroenterology
Volume36
Issue number6
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 1989

Keywords

  • extrapancreatic malignancies
  • pancreatic cancer
  • pancreatitis
  • tumor marker

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology

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