Serum tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 72-4, carbohydrate antigen 24-2, ferritin) and gastric cancer prognosis correlation

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a kind of malignant tumor which is prevalent all over the world.Although some progress has been made in the treatment of gastric cancer,its prognosis is still not optimistic,so it is of great significance to find reliable prog-nostic indicators to guide the treatment and management of patients with gastric cancer.AIM To explore the relationship between serum levels of five biomarkers[carcinoem-bryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA)19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2,and ferritin]and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This study included 200 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,and conducted an in-depth analysis of their baseline characteristics,relationship between tumor markers and staging,and prognosis.The study found that CA19-9 has a signi-ficant correlation with tumor stage,the average levels of CA24-2,CEA,CA72-4 and ferritin were slightly increased disregarding the stage of tumor.Survival analysis showed that increases in CEA,CA19-9,CA24-2,and ferritin were all associated with shortened overall survival of patients.Further multivariate ana-lysis revealed that elevated serum CA72-4 levels were an inde-pendent adverse prognostic factor.RESULTS This study reveals that there is a significant correlation between the expression levels of serum tumor markers CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2 and ferritin in patients with gastric cancer and prognosis,and can be used as important indicators for prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer.In particular,markers that appear abnormally elevated initially may help identify gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Serum CEA and CA19-9 play an important role in the prognosis assessment of gastric cancer,and are effective tools to guide clinical practice and optimize individualized treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients.

Combining prognostic value of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and tumor size reduction ratio in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a common cancer with increasing morbidity and mortality due to changes of social environment.AIM To evaluate the significance of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and tumor size changes pre-and post-neoadjuvant therapy(NAT).METHODS This retrospective study was conducted at the Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment,Chongqing University Cancer Hospital.This study specifically assessed CA19-9 levels and tumor size before and after NAT.RESULTS A total of 156 patients who completed NAT and subsequently underwent tumor resection were included in this study.The average age was 65.4±10.6 years and 72(46.2%)patients were female.Before survival analysis,we defined the post-NAT serum CA19-9 level/pre-NAT serum CA19-9 level as the CA19-9 ratio(CR).The patients were divided into three groups:CR<0.5,CR>0.5 and<1 and CR>1.With regard to tumor size measured by both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging,we defined the post-NAT tumor size/pre-NAT tumor size as the tumor size ratio(TR).The patients were then divided into three groups:TR<0.5,TR>0.5 and<1 and TR>1.Based on these groups divided according to CR and TR,we performed both overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS)analyses.Log-rank tests showed that both OS and DFS were significantly different among the groups according to CR and TR(P<0.05).CR and TR after NAT were associated with increased odds of achieving a complete or near-complete pathologic response.Moreover,CR(hazard ratio:1.721,95%CI:1.373-3.762;P=0.006),and TR(hazard ratio:1.435,95%CI:1.275-4.363;P=0.014)were identified as independent factors associated with OS.CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that post-NAT serum CA19-9 level/pre-NAT serum CA19-9 level and post-NAT tumor size/pre-NAT tumor size were independent factors associated with OS in patients with PDAC who received NAT and subsequent surgical resection.

The combined detection of carcinoembryonic antigen,carcinogenic antigen 125,and carcinogenic antigen 19-9 in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Hepatic metastases are common and difficult to treat after colorectal cancer(CRC)surgery.The predictive value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),cancer antigen(CA)125 and CA19-9 combined tests for liver metastasis is unclear.AIM To evaluate predictive value of combined tests for CEA,CA125,and CA19-9 levels in patients with liver metastases of CRC.METHODS The retrospective study included patients with CRC alone(50 cases)and patients with CRC combined with liver metastases(50 cases)who were hospitalized between January 2021 and January 2023.Serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels were compared between the two groups,and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the predictive value of the combination of these tumor markers in liver metastasis.In addition,we performed receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis to assess its diagnostic accuracy.RESULTS The results showed that the serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels in the CRC with liver metastasis group were significantly higher than those in the CRC alone group.Specifically,the average serum CEA level in the CRC with liver metastasis group was 162.03±810.01 ng/mL,while that in the CRC alone group was 5.71±9.76 ng/mL;the average serum CA125 levels were 43.47±83.52 U/mL respectively.and 13.5±19.68 U/mL;the average serum CA19-9 levels were 184.46±473.13 U/mL and 26.55±43.96 U/mL respectively.In addition,binary logistic regression analysis showed that CA125 was significant in predicting CRC liver metastasis(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the ROC curves of CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 were 0.607,0.692 and 0.586.CONCLUSION These results suggest that combined detection of these tumor markers may help early detection and intervention of CRC liver metastasis,thereby improving patient prognosis.

肿瘤标志物CA-50和CA19-9 IRMA在原发性肝癌诊断中的应用

糖类抗原CA-50和CA19-9是较为理想的肝瘤标志物,对于多种癌肿的诊断监测都有临床应用价值。我们自1991年5月～1992年7月对41例原发性肝癌（简称肝癌）患者进行CA-50和CA19-9免疫放射分析（IRMA）,并联合检测其它肿瘤标志物,探讨对肝癌的诊断价值,现报道如下。材料和方法一、肝癌组:符合肝癌诊断标准的住院患者41例（男33例,女8例）,年龄自22～74岁,平均55.71岁。病程自10天～14个月,平均2.46个月。单纯型6例、硬化型35例。Ⅰ期1例,Ⅱ期5例,Ⅲ期35例。本组病例均检测了AFP、CA50、CA19-9、SF和β2-m。部分病例检测了CA125。二、肝硬化组:作为对照组,均为同期住院患者,男13例,女5例。年龄自35岁～72岁,平均56.47岁。检测项目同肝癌组。三、方法:AFP放免药盒由中国原子能科学研究所提供;CA50单克隆抗体IRMA药盒由中国医学科学院肿瘤研究所提供;CA19-9和CA125单克隆抗体IRMA药盒由法国CIS公司提供;SF放免药盒由北方免疫试剂研究所提供;CEA放免药盒由上海生物制品研究所提供;β2-m放免药盒由华清生化技术研究所提供。以上均按说明书由专人进行严格操作。测定仪器为GC-911放射免疫γ计数器。

AFP、CA-50、CA-19-9联检在肝硬化和原发性肝癌鉴别诊断中的意义

我们选用AFP、CA-50、CA-19-9联合检测原发性肝癌（PHC）和肝硬化（LC）患者血清,旨在探讨在二者鉴别诊断中的意义,现将结果报告如下。 对象和方法 一、对象: （一）PHC组:符合PHC诊断标准的本院住院患者48例（男41,女7）,年龄35～78岁,平均53.1岁。 （二）LC组:按照1991年全国肝硬化专题讨论会拟定的标准。

血清CA-19-9测定对胰腺癌的诊断价值

目的:寻求胰腺癌的诊断方法。方法:用免疫放射分析法(IRMA)检测血清CA-19-9含量。106例血清CA-19-9含量3700 u/L,进行追踪随访。结果:106例中,胰腺癌66例,结肠癌15例,胆管癌13例,肺癌9例。结论:检测血清CA-19-9含量,有利于胰腺癌的诊断和与结肠癌、胆管癌、肺癌等恶性肿瘤的鉴别。

血清CA19-9,CA-50,CEA联合检测在胰腺癌诊断中的应用

目的:探讨血清CA19-9,CA-50,CEA联合检测对胰腺癌的诊断价值。方法:采用酶联免疫测定法和CA-50抗原免疫放射分析法对27例胰腺癌、19例肝癌和37例胃肠癌、30例消化道良性疾病患者血清CA-19、CA-50和CEA水平进行测定,并对胰腺癌、肝癌、胃肠癌及消化道良性疾病患者血清三项标志物的水平进行比较。结果:消化道恶性肿瘤组的血清CA19-9、CA-50、CEA水平明显高于消化道良性疾病组(P<005),尤以胰腺癌为著(P<001)。还发现肿瘤三项标志物联合测定阳性者(CEA>12ng/ml、CA19-9>37u/ml、CA-50>20u/ml三项中两项超过正常值或单项超过其两倍以上者)胰腺癌组占8889%,与其单检阳性率(4444%)相比有显著性差异(P<0005)。肝癌与胃肠癌两组的肿瘤标志物联检阳性率与单检阳性率相比均无显著性差异(P>005)。结论:血清CA19-9、CA-50和CEA联合检测对胰腺癌的诊断有重要价值。

CA-125、CA19-9在卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿并发自发性破裂中的临床意义

目的：评价血清CA-125、CA19-9在自发性卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿并发自发性破裂患者中的临床意义。方法：回顾性分析2006年1月-2015年10月于温州医科大学附属第一医院妇科确诊的50例卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿并发自发性破裂患者（破裂组）及同期70例未破裂卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿患者（对照组）的临床病例资料及血清CA-125、CA19-9水平。结果：①破裂组患者血清CA-125与CA19-9水平均较对照组明显升高（P＜0.05），且CA-125与CA19-9联合检测水平均明显升高（P＜0.05）；②CA-125的受试者工作特征曲线下面积（AUC）值为0.966（95%CI：0.937～0.995），敏感性和特异性分别为86.8%和95.4%；CA19-9的AUC值为0.939（95%CI：0.884～0.994），敏感性和特异性分别为93.5%、89.4%，而CA-125、CA19-9联合检测的AUC值为0.992（95%CI：0.981～1.000），具有更高的敏感性和特异性，分别为99.9%和93.6%；③破裂组囊肿直径为（7.78±3.12）cm，大于对照组的（5.80±1.63）cm（P＜0.05）。结论：自发性卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿破裂患者CA-125以及CA19-9水平均明显升高，联合检测CA-125及CA19-9有助于自发性卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿破裂的早期诊断。

Diagnostic Value of VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA in Pancreatic Cancer and Risk Factors of Vascular Invasion

Background:Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract.Due to its insidious onset,most patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer have missed the opportunity for radical surgery,which offers patients the best chance of survival.The 5-year survival rate of patients with pancreatic cancer can be improved with early diagnosis,and serum tumor makers are an inexpensive and convenient diagnostic tool that is widely used in the diagnosis of malignancies.Objective:To determine the diagnostic value of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)in patients with pancreatic cancer and the risk factors of vascular invasion.Methods:An experimental group comprising 52 patients with pancreatic cancer admitted to our department from July 2021 to July 2022 and a control group comprising 21 patients with benign pancreatic diseases during the same period were included in our study.Their serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels were detected and compared between the two groups,and the correlation between the three markers in the invaded vessel and non-invaded vessel groups was investigated.The diagnostic value of a single tumor marker and in combination for pancreatic cancer was analyzed,and the three tumor marker levels of the experimental group in different pathological characteristics were detected and compared.Results:The experimental group had higher serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels than the control group(P<0.05).Through a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis,the combined detection had the highest value for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,in which the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.9158(95%CI:0.8415-0.9900),while the sensitivity and specificity were 76.19%and 98.08%,respectively.Serum VEGF and CA 19-9 levels were higher in stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ pancreatic cancer patients and those with tumor metastasis compared with stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ patients and those without metastasis(P<0.05),respectively.Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer,and the results showed that only serum VEGF was a risk factor(P<0.05),OR(95%CI):1.001-1.006.Conclusion:Patients with pancreatic cancer have significantly higher serum VEGF,CA 19-9,and CEA levels,and the combined detection of tumor markers is of high clinical value in its diagnosis.In addition,serum VEGF is an independent risk factor of vascular invasion in pancreatic cancer,which can predict vascular invasion to a certain extent.

CA19-9 antigen levels can distinguish between benign and malignant pancreaticobiliary disease

BACKGROUND:CA19-9 is a carbohydrate tumor-associated antigen which is frequently upregulated in pancreatobiliary neoplasia.However,it may also be elevated in patients with jaundice in the absence of a tumor due to biliary obstruction,and in other non-hepato-pancreatico-biliary conditions.This study aimed to evaluate whether CA19-9 levels could accurately differentiate between benign and malignant pancreatobiliary disease.METHODS:All patients referred to a single surgeon for investigation of pancreaticobiliary disease in 2003 in whom a firm diagnosis had been established were included.For malignant disease,a histological diagnosis was required but for benign disease a firm radiological diagnosis was deemed adequate.The patients were divided into 4 categories:pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa);cholangiocarcinoma(CCa);chronic pancreatitis(CP)and biliary calculous disease(Calc).Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels corresponding to the point of assessment of CA19-9 were also noted.RESULTS:Final diagnoses were made of pancreatic adenocarcinoma(PCa,n=73),cholangiocarcinoma(CCa,n=19),ampullary carcinoma(Amp,n=7),neuroendocrine carcinoma(Neu,n=4),duodenal carcinoma(Duo,n=3),chronic pancreatitis(CP,n=115),and biliary calculous disease(Calc,n=27).Median CA19-9 levels(U/ml)were:PCa,653;CCa,408;Duo,403;Calc,27;CP,19;Neu,10.5;Amp,8(reference range:0-37).The CA19-9 levels were significantly greater for malignant than for benign disease,could differentiate PCa from CCa/Duo,and were significantly higher in unresectable than in resectable PCa.The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)for CA19-9 were 84.9%,69.7%,67.7%and 86.1%,respectively.A ROC analysis provided an area under the curve for CA19-9 of 0.871(0.820-0.922),giving an optimal CA19-9 of 70.5 U/ml for differentiating benign from malignant pathology.Using this cut-off,the sensitivity was 82.1%,while specificity,PPV and NPV improved to 85.9%,81.3%and 86.5%,respectively.When standard radiology was included(US/ CT/MRCP)in the decision process,the results improved to 97.2%,88.7%,86.6%,and 97.7%.For benign disease,the CA19-9 correlated directly with the serum bilirubin,but for malignant disease,CA19-9 levels were elevated independent of the bilirubin level.CONCLUSIONS:CA19-9 is useful in the differentiation of pancreatobiliary disease and when using an optimized cut-off and combining with routine radiology,the diagnostic yield is improved significantly,thus stressing the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to pancreatobiliary disease.

High level of preoperative carbohydrate antigen 19-9 is a poor survival predictor in gastric cancer

AIM:To assess the clinical significance and the prognostic value of preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9)level in gastric cancer.METHODS:Between January 2005 and December2006,1960 patients underwent surgery for histologically confirmed gastric cancer.Of these,163 patients had elevated serum levels of CA 19-9 preoperatively,and1628 patients had normal serum levels of CA 19-9 preoperatively.For this study,325 patients were selected from the group of 1628 patients by age,sex,and cancer stage to serve as controls.Statistically significant differences in survival rates were calculated using the log-rank test.A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant and was determined using SAS software.RESULTS:The baseline characteristics showed some differences between the two groups with regard to histology.Overall survival(OS)in the elevated and nonelevated group was 37.90 and 68.67 mo,respectively(P<0.001).N stage(P=0.001)was a significant predictor of disease-free survival by multivariate analysis.Also,N stage(P<0.001),and the presence of peritoneal metastasis(P<0.001)remained independent factors in predicting OS by multivariate analysis.Additionally,preoperative serum CA 19-9 levels were significantly associated with OS in univariate(P=0.009)and multivariate(P=0.021)analyses.CONCLUSION:Serum CA 19-9 can be considered an independent prognostic factor in predicting OS in patients anticipating surgery for gastric cancer.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 — tumor marker: Past, present, andfuture

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a cell surface glycoprotein complex mostcommonly associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Koprowskifirst described it in 1979 using a mouse monoclonal antibody in a colorectalcarcinoma cell line. Historically, it is one of the most commonly used tumormarkers for diagnosing, managing, and prognosticating PDAC. Additionally,elevated CA 19-9 levels are used as an indication for surgery in suspected benignpancreatic conditions. Another common application of CA 19-9 in the biliary tractincludes its use as an adjunct in diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma. However, itsclinical value is not limited to the hepatopancreatobiliary system. The reality isthat the advancing literature has broadened the clinical value of CA 19-9. Thepotential value of CA 19-9 in patients' workup extends its reach to gastrointestinalcancers – such as colorectal and oesophageal cancer – and further beyond thegastrointestinal tract - including urological, gynecological, pulmonary, andthyroid pathologies. Apart from its role in investigations, CA 19-9 presents apotential therapeutic target in PDAC and acute pancreatitis. In a bid toconsolidate its broad utility, we appraised and reviewed the biomarker’s currentutility and limitations in investigations and management, while discussing thepotential applications for CA 19-9 in the works for the future.

Utility of endoscopic ultrasound, cytology and fluid carcinoembryonic antigen and CA 19-9 levels in pancreatic cystic lesions

AIM: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), fluid tumor markers and cytology in distinguishing benign from (pre)malignant pancreatic cystic lesions. METHODS: 46 consecutive patients, referred to a gastroenterologist and surgeon for a symptomatic or incidental pancreatic cyst, were reviewed. EUS, cytology, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen (CA 19-9) levels were compared with the final diagnosis, based on surgical pathology and/or imaging follow-up of at least 12 mo. Cysts were classified as benign (pseudocyst, serous cystadenoma) or malignant/ pre-malignant (mucinous cystic neoplasm). Receiver- operator characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean age was 56 years; 29% were male and median cyst diameter was 3 cm. Final outcome was obtained in 41 (89%) patients. Twenty-three (56%) of these 41 had surgical pathology. Twenty-three (56%) had benign lesions and 18 (44%) had malignant/pre- malignant lesions. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value of EUS alone to distinguish benign from malignant/premalignant pancreatic cystic lesions were 50%, 56%, 36% and 54% and for cytology were 71%, 96%, 92% and 85%, respectively. The corresponding values for the ROC-derived ideal cutoffswere 75%, 90%, 75%, 90% for CA 19-9 (> 37 U/mL) and 70%, 85%, 79% and 78% for CEA (> 3.1 ng/mL). Subgroup analysis of those with surgical pathology yielded almost identical performance and cutoffs. CONCLUSION: Cytology and cyst fluid tumor marker analysis is a very useful tool in distinguishing benign from (pre)malignant pancreatic cystic lesions.

Detection of pancreatic cancer with normal carbohydrate antigen 19-9 using protein chip technology

AIM: To develop a method to differentiate pancreatic cancer patients from healthy or benign individuals when carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9 is normal.

Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 as a novel prognostic biomarker in distal cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Distal cholangiocarcinoma(DCC)presents as one of the relatively rare malignant tumors in the digestive system and has a poor long-term prognosis.Curative resection is currently the most appropriate therapy for patients with DCC because of the lack of effective adjuvant therapies.Therefore,it is important to accurately predict the prognosis for formulating a reasonable treatment plan and avoiding unnecessary surgical trauma.AIM To minimize the interference of obstructive jaundice on carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)level by adapting CA19-9 toγ-glutamyltransferase(GGT)as an indicator,to determine the strong associations between CA19-9/GGT and postoperative neoplasm recurrence and long-term outcome of DCC.METHODS We enrolled 186 patients who were diagnosed with DCC between January 2010 and December 2019 and performed radical excision with strict criteria as follows in our hospital.Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn according to preoperative CA19-9/GGT and 1-year survival.Based on this,patients were divided into two groups(group 1,low-ratio,n=81;group 2,high-ratio,n=105).Afterwards,by the way of univariate and multivariate analysis,the risk factors influencing postoperative tumor recrudesce and long-term prognosis of patients with DCC were screened out.RESULTS Optimum cut-off value of CA19-9/GGT was 0.12.Patients in group 2 represented higher CA19-9 and lymphatic metastasis rate accompanied by lower GGT,when compared with group 1(P<0.05).The 1-,3-and 5-year overall survival rates of patients in groups 1 and 2 were 88.3%,59.2%and 48.1%,and 61.0%,13.6%and 13.6%,respectively(P=0.000).Multivariate analysis indicated that CA19-9/GGT,lymphatic metastasis and tumor differentiation were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence and long-term prognosis of DCC.CONCLUSION Elevation of CA19-9/GGT performed better as a biomarker of aggressive carcinoma and predictor of poor clinical outcomes by reducing the effect of obstruction of biliary tract on CA19-9 concentration in patients with DCC.

Preoperative serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels predict early recurrence after the resection of early-stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a serious disease with a poor prognosis.Only a minority of patients undergo surgery due to the advanced stage of the disease,and patients with early-stage disease,who are expected to have a better prognosis,often experience recurrence.Thus,it is important to identify the risk factors for early recurrence and to develop an adequate treatment plan.AIM To evaluate the predictive factors associated with the early recurrence of earlystage PDAC.METHODS This study enrolled 407 patients with stage I PDAC undergoing upfront surgical resection between January 2000 and April 2016.Early recurrence was defined as a diagnosis of recurrence within 6 mo of surgery.The optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analyses.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for early recurrence.RESULTS Of the 407 patients,98 patients(24.1%)experienced early disease recurrence:26(26.5%)local and 72(73.5%)distant sites.In total,253(62.2%)patients received adjuvant chemotherapy.On ROC curve analysis,the optimal cutoff values for early recurrence were 70 U/mL and 2.85 cm for carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9)levels and tumor size,respectively.Of the 181 patients with CA 19-9 level>70 U/mL,59(32.6%)had early recurrence,compared to 39(17.4%)of 226 patients with CA 19-9 level≤70 U/mL(P<0.001).Multivariate analysis revealed that CA 19-9 level>70 U/mL(P=0.006),tumor size>2.85 cm(P=0.004),poor differentiation(P=0.008),and non-adjuvant chemotherapy(P=0.025)were significant risk factors for early recurrence in early-stage PDAC.CONCLUSION Elevated CA 19-9 level(cutoff value>70 U/mL)can be a reliable predictive factor for early recurrence in early-stage PDAC.As adjuvant chemotherapy can prevent early recurrence,it should be recommended for patients susceptible to early recurrence.

Prognostic significance of SUVmax and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 in pancreatic cancer

AIM: To investigate the prognostic significance of pretreatment standardized maximum uptake value (SUVmax) and serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9 in pancreatic cancer.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in carbohydrate antigen 19-9 negative pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is a leading cause of death from cancer worldwide.Tumor markers like carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9)have been proven valuable as a diagnostic tool and a predictor for tumor staging and response to therapy.AIM To delineate the phenotype of normal CA 19-9 PDAC according to clinical features,disease staging and prognosis as compared with high CA 19-9 PDAC cases.METHODS We performed a retrospective single-center analysis of all PDAC cases admitted in our Gastroenterology department over a period of 30 mo that were diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition.Patients were divided into two groups according to CA 19-9 levels over a threshold of 37 U/mL.We performed a comparison between the two groups with regard to demographic and clinical data,biomarkers,tumor staging and 6-mo survival.RESULTS Altogether 111 patients were recruited with 29 having documented normal CA 19-9(<37 U/mL).In the CA 19-9 negative group of patients,20.68%had elevated levels of both CEA and CA 125,13.79%for CA 125 only whilst 17.24%for CEA only.The two groups had similar demographic characteristics.Abdominal pain was more frequently reported in positive vs negative CA 19-9 PDAC cases(76.83%vs 55.17%),while smoking was slightly more prevalent in the latter group(28.04%vs 31.03%).Tumors over 2 cm were more frequently seen in the positive CA 19-9 group,reflecting a higher proportion of locally advanced and metastatic neoplasia(87.7%vs 79.3%).Sixmonth survival was higher for the negative CA 19-9 group(58.62%vs 47.56%).CONCLUSION Elevated CA 19-9 at diagnosis seems to be associated with a more pronounced symptomatology,high tumor burden and poor prognosis compared to negative CA 19-9 PDAC cases.CEA and CA 125 can be adjunctive useful markers for PDAC,especially in CA 19-9 negative cases.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 as prognostic markers for advanced pancreatic cancer patients receiving first-line chemotherapy

BACKGROUND A decline in serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)levels during systemic chemotherapy is considered as a prognostic marker for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)has been extensively studied as a simple and useful indicator of prognosis in various cancers including pancreatic cancer.AIM To assess the prognostic significance of NLR and CA19-9 in patients with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma received first-line chemotherapy according to CA19-9 positivity.METHODS We retrospectively analyzed patients diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer who received first-line chemotherapy between January 2010 and July 2017 at the Catholic University of Seoul St.Mary’s Hospital.Patients were divided according to CA19-9 positivity(CA19-9-positive vs-negative groups)and pre-and posttreatment NLR levels.To determine cut-off value of NLR and CA19-9 reduction,time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve was applied.We evaluated overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)for each group using Kaplan-Meier method,and we performed multivariate analyses on the entire cohort.RESULTS We included 271 patients in this study.Cut-off value of NLR and CA19-9 reduction was determined as 2.62 and 18%.Multivariate analysis showed that post-treatment NLR<2.62 and reduction of≥18%of baseline CA19-9 were significantly associated with OS and PFS.Post-treatment NLR≥2.62 showed hazard ratio(HR)of 2.47[95%confidence interval(CI):1.84-3.32,P<0.001]and CA19-9 decline(≥18%)showed HR of 0.51(95%CI:0.39-0.67,P<0.001)for OS.When CA19-9-positive patients were divided into groups according to CA19-9 response(responder vs non-responder)and post-treatment NLR(<2.62 vs≥2.62),CA19-9 responder and post-treatment NLR<2.62 group showed better survival than CA19-9 non-responder and post-treatment NLR≥2.62 group(OS 11.0 mo vs 3.9 mo,P<0.001;PFS 6.3 mo vs 2.0 mo,P<0.001).The combination of CA19-9 decline and post-treatment NLR showed a significant correlation with clinical response in CA 19-9 positive group.Within the CA19-9-negative group,the posttreatment NLR<2.62 group showed better survival than the post-treatment NLR≥2.62 group(OS 12.7 mo vs 7.7 mo,P<0.001;PFS 6.7 mo vs 2.1 mo,P<0.001),and post-treatment NLR showed correlation with clinical response.CONCLUSION In advanced pancreatic cancer patients positive for CA19-9 and treated with systemic chemotherapy,the combination of post-treatment NLR<2.62 and 18%decline of CA19-9 at the first response evaluation is a good prognostic marker.Post-treatment NLR<2.62 alone could be used as a prognostic marker and an adjunctive tool for response evaluation in CA19-9-negative patients.