Hyperhomocysteinemia and Associated Biological Markers in a Congolese Population of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Brazzaville

The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerative complications in type 2 diabetics. The aim of this work was to study hyperhomocysteinemia and other biochemical markers associated with T2D in the Congolese population. This was an analytical case-control study carried out between October 2022 and October 2023. The study population consisted of 150 subjects including 100 T2D patients and 50 control subjects. The main clinical data were collected on a pre-established form. Homocysteine determination was carried out by the sandwich ELISA method. The other biochemical markers were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 27.3% (41/150) of the entire study population. Type 2 diabetics had a frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia of 36% (36/100) and control 10% (5/50) (p = 0.001). The mean hyperhomocysteinemia concentration was 31.9 μmol/l with extremes ranging from 18 to 103 μmol/l. Means of biological markers between diabetics and controls showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). The risk factors associated with this HHcy were: sex (OR = 3.5), age (OR = 9.4), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 3.4) and glycosylated hemoglobin (OR = 12) with a p-value <0.05 respectively. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive biomarker in the bioclinic of Congolese type 2 diabetic patients.

Impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets for advanced gastric cancer

BACKGROUND Advanced gastric cancer(AGC)remains a challenging malignancy with poor prognosis.The combination of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab has shown promising results in AGC treatment.This study aimed to investigate the effects of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC and to explore their potential as predictive biomarkers for treatment response.AIM To investigate the impact of oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy on serum markers and T cell subsets in patients with AGC.METHODS This prospective study enrolled 60 patients with AGC.All patients received oxaliplatin(130 mg/m^(2),every 3 weeks)and trastuzumab(8 mg/kg loading dose,followed by 6 mg/kg every 3 weeks)for six cycles.Serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),and cancer antigen 72-4(CA72-4)were measured before and after treatment.T-lymphocyte subsets,including CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,and CD4+/CD8+ratios,were also evaluated.The clinical response was assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1.RESULTS After six cycles of treatment,the CEA,CA19-9,and CA72-4 serum levels significantly decreased compared to baseline levels(P<0.001).The percentages of CD3+and CD4+T lymphocytes increased significantly(P<0.05),whereas the percentage of CD8+T lymphocytes decreased(P<0.05).The CD4+/CD8+ratio also significantly increased after treatment(P<0.05).Patients with a higher decrease in serum tumor markers(≥50%reduction)and a higher increase in CD4+/CD8+ratio(≥1.5-fold)showed better clinical response rates(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Oxaliplatin and trastuzumab combination therapy effectively reduced serum tumor marker levels and modulated T lymphocyte subsets in patients with AGC.Combination therapy not only has a direct antitumor effect,but also enhances the immune response in patients with AGC.Serum tumor markers and T lymphocyte subsets may serve as potential predictive biomarkers for treatment response in patients with AGC receiving combination therapy.

Prognostic value and predictive model of tumor markers in stageⅠtoⅢgastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND Preoperative serum tumor markers have been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer patients.However,few studies have evaluated the prognosis of gastric cancer patients by establishing statistical models with multiple serum tumor indicators.AIM To explore the prognostic value and predictive model of tumor markers in stage I and III gastric cancer patients.METHODS From October 2018 to April 2020,a total of 1236 patients with stage I to III gastric cancer after surgery were included in our study.The relationship between serum tumor markers and clinical and pathological data were analyzed.We established a statistical model to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer based on the results of COX regression analysis.Overall survival(OS)was also compared across different stages of gastric cancer.RESULTS The deadline for follow-up was May 31,2023.A total of 1236 patients were included in our study.Univariate analysis found that age,clinical stage,T and N stage,tumor location,differentiation,Borrmann type,size,and four serum tumor markers were prognostic factors of OS(P<0.05).It was shown that clinical stage,tumor size,alpha foetoprotein,carcinoembryonic antigen,CA125 and CA19-9(P<0.05)were independent prognostic factors for OS.According to the scoring results obtained from the statistical model,we found that patients with high scores had poorer survival time(P<0.05).Furthermore,in stage I patients,the 3-year OS for scores 0-3 ranged from 96.85%,95%,85%,and 80%.In stage II patients,the 3-year OS for scores 0-4 were 88.6%,76.5%,90.5%,65.5%and 60%.For stage III patients,3-year OS for scores 0-6 were 70.9%,68.3%,64.1%,50.9%,38.4%,18.5%and 5.2%.We also analyzed the mean survival of patients with different scores.For stage I patients,the mean OS was 55.980 months.In stage II,the mean OS was 51.550 months.The mean OS for stage III was 39.422 months.CONCLUSION Our statistical model can effectively predict the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.

Serum Tumor Markers Combined with 18F-FDG PET/CT Volumetric Metabolic Parameters in the Prognosis of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most fatal gynecological malignancy, and identifying reliable prognostic indicators can help guide therapeutic treatment. Various tumor marker-guided treatment regimens can considerably improve patient prognosis with a better understanding of the molecular underpinnings of ovarian cancer recurrence and metastasis. Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) is a molecular imaging tool that provides anatomical and functional information about the tumor, and its volume-based metabolic parameters allow for quantifiable observation of ovarian cancer recurrence, prognosis, and therapeutic efficacy. The combined utilization of serological and radiologic markers has been found to provide increased clinical benefit. This article reviewed the predictive value of serum tumor markers and 18F-FDG PET/CT volumetric metabolic parameters for the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer.

Value of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging combined with tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND Compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasound(US),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and serum tumor markers alone or in combination for detecting ovarian tumors.AIM To investigate the diagnostic value of US,MRI combined with tumor markers in ovarian tumors.METHODS The data of 110 patients with ovarian tumors,confirmed by surgery and pathology,were collected in our hospital from February 2018 to May 2023.The dataset included 60 cases of benign tumors and 50 cases of malignant tumors.Prior to surgery,all patients underwent preoperative US and MRI examinations,as well as serum tumor marker tests[carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),human epididymis protein 4(HE4)].The aim of the study was to compare the diagnostic performance of these three methods individually and in combination for ovarian tumors.RESULTS This study found statistically significant differences in the ultrasonic imaging characteristics between benign and malignant tumors.These differences include echo characteristics,presence or absence of a capsule,blood flow resistance index,clear tumor shape,and blood flow signal display rate(P<0.05).The apparent diffusion coefficient values of the solid and cystic parts in benign tumors were found to be higher compared to malignant tumors(P<0.05).Additionally,the time-intensity curve image features of benign and malignant tumors showed significant statistical differences(P<0.05).The levels of serum CA125 and HE4 in benign tumors were lower than those in malignant tumors(P<0.05).The combined use of US,MRI,and tumor markers in the diagnosis of ovarian tumors demonstrates higher accuracy,sensitivity,and specificity compared to using each method individually(P<0.05).CONCLUSION US,MRI,and tumor markers each have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to diagnosing ovarian tumors.However,by combining these three methods,we can significantly enhance the accuracy of ovarian tumor diagnosis,enabling early detection and identification of the tumor’s nature,and providing valuable guidance for clinical treatment.

Percutaneous microwave ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for serum tumor markers and prognostics of middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)has an insidious onset and is usually diagnosed in the middle and late stages.Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the preferred option for treating middle-and advanced-stage PHC,it has limited efficacy in killing tumor cells and poor long-term efficacy.TACE plus percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time.However,there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum marker levels and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.AIM To investigate the effect of PMCT+TACE on serum tumor markers and the prognosis of middle-late PHC.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with middle-late PHC admitted to Zhongshan People’s Hospital between March 2018 and February 2021.Patients were divided into a single group(treated with TACE,n=75)and a combined group(treated with TACE+PMCT,n=75).Before and after treatment,the clinical efficacy and serum tumor marker levels[carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)]of both groups were observed.The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS The combined group had 21 and 35 cases of complete remission(CR)and partial remission(PR),respectively.The single group had 13 and 25 cases of CR and PR,decreased,with the decrease in the combined group being more significant(P<0.05).The 1-year survival rate of the combined group(80.00%)was higher than that of the single group(60.00%)(P<0.05).The average survival time within 1 year in the combined group was 299.38±61.13 d,longer than that in the single group(214.41±72.97 d,P<0.05).COX analysis revealed that tumor diameter,tumor number,and the treatment method were prognostic factors for patients with middle-late PHC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TACE+PMCT is effective in treating patients with mid-late PHC.It reduces the levels of tumor markers,prolongs survival,and improves prognosis.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Biological Markers in Pituitary Adenomas with Invasion of the Cavernous Sinus Space

Objective: To investigate the predictability of MRI and the possiblebiological markers of cavernous sinus invasion of pituitary adenomas associated with fourphenomenas: angiogenesis, cell proliferation, apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase. Methods: Weevaluated 45 patients with pituitary adenoma according to the MRI, surgical findings and theimmunohistochemistry staining of tumor tissues. Results: The results have shown that the sensitivityof MRI for predicting cavernous sinus invasion in this prospective study was 60%, its specificity85%, its positive predictive value 83.33%, negative predictive value 62.96%. 45 specimens ofpituitary adenomas were analyzed for expression of F8, VEGF, Ki-67, c-myc, Bcl-2, nm23 and MMP-9immunoreactivity using immunoperoxidase staining. MVD was assessed using F8-related antigen. Theresults have shown that MVD of invasive pituitary adenomas was significantly higher than that ofnoninvasive (P 【 0.001). There was an association between the invasion of pituitary adenomas andKi-67 LI (P = 0.039) or the expression of VEGF (P 【 0.001) and MMP-9 (P 【 0.001). But c-myc LI andBcl-2 expression have no association with invasiveness of pituitary adenomas (P = 0.061 versus P =0.201). On the other hand, there is an inverse relationship between nm23 expression and tumorinvasion (P 【 0.001). Conclusion: Parasellar extension of pituitary adenomas through the medial wallof the cavernous sinus is diagnosed at surgery, and with sensitive gadolinium-enhanced MRI, itsextent can be partly determined by radiology. Although our study has shown that MVD and theexpression of VEGF, Ki-67, nm23 and MMP-9 have associations with invasiveness of pituitary adenomas,they are lack of specificity. These markers can only provide some useful information.

Urinary nucleosides as biological markers for patients with colorectal cancer

AIM: Fourteen urinary nucleosides, primary degradation products of tRNA, were evaluated to know the potential as biological markers for patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS: The concentrations of 14 kinds of urinary nucleosides from 52 patients with colorectal cancer, 10 patients with intestinal villous adenoma and 60 healthy adults were determined by column switching high performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: The mean levels of 12 kinds of urinary nucleosides (except uridine and guanosine) in the patients with colorectal cancer were significantly higher than those in patients with intestinal villous adenoma or the healthy adults. Using the levels of 14 kinds of urinary nucleosides as the data vectors for principal component analysis, 71% (37/52) patients with colorectal cancer were correctly classified from healthy adults, in which the identification rate was much higher than that of CEA method (29%). Only 10% (1/10) of patients with intestinal villous adenoma were indistinguishable from patients with colorectal cancer. The levels of m1G, Pseu and m1A were positively related with tumor size and Duke's stages of colorectal cancer. When monitoring the changes in urinary nucieoside concentrations of patients with colorectal cancer associated with surgery, it was found that the overall correlations with clinical assessment were 84% (27/32) and 91% (10/11) in response group and progressive group, respectively. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that urinary nucleosides determined by column switching high performance liquid chromatography method may be useful as biological markers for colorectal cancer.

Predictive value of tumor markers in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma in different vascular invasion pattern

BACKGROUND： Four tumor markers for hepatocellular carcinoma（HCC）, alpha-fetoprotein（AFP）, glypican-3（GPC3）, vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF） and des-gammacarboxy prothrombin（DCP）, are closely associated with tumor invasion and patient＇s survival. This study estimated the predictability of preoperative tumor marker levels along with pathological parameters on HCC recurrence after hepatectomy.METHODS： A total of 140 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy between January 2012 and August 2012 were enrolled. The demographics, clinical and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups： patients with macroscopic vascular invasion（Ma VI ＋） and those without Ma VI（Ma VI-）. The predictive value of tumor markers and clinical parameters were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis.RESULTS： In all patients, tumor size（〉8 cm） and Ma VI were closely related to HCC recurrence after hepatectomy. For Ma VI＋ patients, VEGF（〉900 pg/m L） was a significant predictor for recurrence（RR=2.421; 95% CI： 1.272-4.606; P=0.007）. The 1- and 2-year tumor-free survival rates for Ma VI＋ patients with VEGF ≤900 pg/m L versus for those with VEGF 〉900 pg/m L were 51.5% and 17.6% versus 19.0% and 4.8%（P〈0.001）. For Ma VI- patients, DCP 〉445 m Au/m L and tumor size 〉8 cm were two independent risk factors for tumor recurrence（RR=2.307, 95% CI： 1.132-4.703, P=0.021; RR=3.150, 95% CI： 1.392-7.127, P=0.006; respectively）. The 1- and 2-year tumor-free survival rates for the patients with DCP ≤445 m Au/m L and those with DCP 〉445 m Au/m L were 90.4% and 70.7% versus 73.2% and 50.5% respectively（P=0.048）. The 1-and 2-year tumor-free survival rates for the patients with tumor size ≤8 cm and 〉8 cm were 83.2% and 62.1% versus 50.0% and 30.0%, respectively（P=0.003）.CONCLUSIONS： The Ma VI＋ patients with VEGF ≤900 pg/m L had a relatively high tumor-free survival than those with VEGF 〉900 pg/m L. In the Ma VI- patients, DCP 〉445 m Au/m L and tumor size 〉8 cm were predictive factors for postoperative recurrence.

Study on combined assay for serum tumor markers in patients,with hepatic carcinoma

INTRODUCTIONSince the hepatic solid-occupying lesion (HSOL) wasfound by both ultrasonoscopy (US) and computed tomography(CT).If the customary alpha-fetoprotin (AFP) standard fordiagnosis primary hepatic carcinoma is used,those cancerswith lower AFP concentration may miss the diagnosis.Onthe other hand,the use of the standard:AFP-positive(≥20μg/L)+HSOL=primary hepatocellular carcinoma(PHCC),may yield false positive results.In order to ele-vate both the preoperative and differential diagnosis levels forhepatic carcinoma,we assayed combindedly the preoperativelevels of serum AFP,carbohydrate antibody (CA) 19-9 andcarcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the patients with HSOL.

The Expression of Estrogen Receptor Subtypes in Prolactinomas and Their Relationship to Tumor Biological Behavior

Dopamine agonists （DA） are a first-line therapy for prolactinomas （PA）. However, nearly 10% of prolactinomas do not respond to DA therapy. A considerable number of studies have shown that estrogen plays an important role in the development of prolactinomas. However, the expression of estrogen receptors （ER） in prolactinomas has not been fully explored. Accordingly, we examined the levels of ESR1 and its subtypes A5-DeI-ESR1 and ESR2 mRNA in prolactinomas. In the present study,

The diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignantovarian neoplasms

Objective:To study the diagnostic value of multiple tumor markers in malignant ovarian neoplasm.Methods:Sera obtained from 430 patients with ovarian masses (110 cases were malignant ovarian tumors,320 cases were benign ovarian tumors) before operation,and from 50 healthy women as control.Serologic examination of tumor markers included CA125,TSGF,SA,CEA,AFP,HCG and Fer.Results:The serum levels of CA125,TSGF,SA and Fer in patients with ovarian cancer were higher than those in patients with benign ovarian tumors (P<0.05),also in control group (P<0.05).In the diagnostic value of application for malignant ovarian neoplasm,CA125,TSGF and SA were better than the others.The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy in diagnosis of ovarian cancer were 86.4%,82.8%and 83.7% respectively for CA125 alone,78.2%,81.3%and 80.5% for TSGF alone,74.5%,81.9%and 80.0% for SA alone,whereas 95.5%,45.6%and 58.4% for multiple tumor markers combined in which 1 or more indices showed positive,93.6%,80.6%and 84.0% for that in which 2 or more indices showed positive,and 87.3%,90.3%and 89.5% for that in which 3 or more indices show positive.Conclusion:multiple tumor markers examination could improve the diagnosis of ovarian cancer,and examination of CA125,TSGF and SA combined is most ideal.

Monitoring of Biological Responses of Tumor Cells after Irradiation with ^(99m)Tc-MIBI——An In Vitro Study

To explore the possibility to employ 99m Tc MIBI to monitor biological response of tumor cells after irradiation and to observe the relation between the radiation doses and the uptake levels of 99m Tc MIBI in tumor cells, the cells were irradiated with a single dose of 2 Gy, 10 Gy and 20 Gy respectively. The uptake of 99m Tc MIBI in each dosage group was determined before and 24, 48, 72 h after irradiation respectively. Apoptosis index , plating efficiency of tumor cells was simultaneously determined. There was a positive correlation between uptake levels of 99m Tc MIBI and AI. A negative correlation was noted between the uptake levels and PE . It is suggested that 99m Tc MIBI may be used as a tracer to monitor the change of viability state of tumor cells after being irradiated with different doses.

An Overview on Biological Markers in Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology: Concepts, Definitions and Use in Risk Assessment

Reproduction and development are complex couple-dependent processes. Risk assessment for these health outcomes requires the use of biomarkers to link exposures to disease. Biological markers of susceptability, external dose, internal dose, biologically effective dose, early or late biological responses, altered reproductive or developmental function, and reproductive or developmental disease are introduced. Using these biomarkers it is possible to define a biologically based risk assessment methodology for reproductive and developmental toxicity. Risk assessment for reproductive toxicity requires definition of male and female fecundity, couple-specific factors, spontaneous abortion, rate, and other factors. Using using sperm count as a biomarker for male fecundity, an example of a reproductive risk assessment using biomarkers is performed.

Biological Markers on Human Pregnancy

This article reviews a selected set of recently described pregnancy-associated proteins which possess potential for both signaling pregnancy onset and monitoring its course. These molecules are compared and contrasted with human chorionic gonadotropin, the first pregnancy-associated protein to be discovered, and the standard biomarker of pregnancy to which all others must still be referenced. Recent advances in hCG research have focused on the structural determination and diagnostic significance of the subunits and fragments of the hCG molecule, particularly in urine. An outline of the potential utility of this approach is also presented.

Combined detection tumor markers for diagnosis and prognosis of gallbladder cancer

AIM: To clarify the value of combined use of markers for the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer and prediction of its prognosis. METHODS: Serum cancer antigens (CA) 199, CA242, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and CA125 levels were measured in 78 patients with gallbladder cancer (GBC), 78 patients with benign gallbladder diseases, and 78 healthy controls using electrochemiluminescence. CA199, CA242, CEA, and CA125 levels and positive rates were analyzed and evaluated pre-and post-operatively. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to determine diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of GBC. Survival time analysis, including survival curves, and multivariate survival analysis of a Cox proportional hazards model was performed to evaluate independent prognostic factors. RESULTS: Serum CA242, CA125, and CA199 levels in the GBC group were significantly higher when compared with those in the benign gallbladder disease and healthy control groups (P < 0.01). With a single tumor marker for GBC diagnosis, the sensitivity of CA199 was the highest (71.7%), with the highest specificity being in CA242 (98.7%). Diagnostic accuracy was highest with a combination of CA199, CA242, and CA125 (69.2%). CA242 could be regarded as a tumor marker of GBC infiltration in the early stage. The sensitivity of CA199 and CA242 increased with progression of GBC and advanced lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05). The 78 GBC patients were followed up for 6-12 mo (mean: 8 mo), during which time serum CA199, CA125, and CA242 levels in the recurrence group were significantly higher than in patients without recurrence (P < 0.01). The post-operative serum CA199, CA125, and CA242 levels in the non- recurrence group were significantly lower than those in the GBC group (P < 0.01). Multivariate survival analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model showed that cancer of the gallbladder neck and CA199 expression level were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: CA242 is a marker of GBC infiltration in the early stage. CA199 and cancer of the gallbladder neck are therapeutic and prognostic markers. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.

Detection of serum tumor markers in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND: Although a variety of tumor markers areavailable for diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, their sensitivityand specificity have not yet been ideal. The aims of thisstudy was to detect a panel of serum tumor markers and toevaluate their significance in the diagnosis and prognosis ofpancreatic cancer patients.METHODS: Eight serum tumor markers including AFP,CEA, CA-50, CA72-4, CA-125, CA153, CA19-9 and CA242were detected in 129 patients with pancreatic cancer by usingchemiluminescence immunoassay, immunofluorescence as-say and immunoradiometric assay, respectively. The levelsof these markers were compared in 99 patients with non-pancreatic malignant tumor, 63 patients with other benigndiseases, and 27 patients with pancreatic cancer after pan-createctomy.RESULTS: Among the 8 tumor markers, CA19-9, CA242,CA-50, and CA72-4 were more sensitive in the diagnosis ofpancreatic cancer. Parallel combined testing could increasethe diagnostic sensitivity to 89.2%, and serial combined exa-mination could increase the diagnostic specificity to 92.3%.The serum tumor markers levels were decreased significant-ly after radical tumor resection.CONCLUSIONS: Serum CA19-9, CA242, CA-50, andCA72-4 are the preferred tumor markers to be used in thediagnosis and follow-up of operated cases of pancreaticcancer. Testing of a panel of multiple serum tumor mark-ers may increase the sensitivity and specificity in the diag-nosis of pancreatic cancer.

Combined detection of serum tumor markers for differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head

BACKGROUND: The differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head is very important for choosing therapies and setting up surgical tactics. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical significance of combined measurement of multiple serum tumor markers and the application of the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head. METHODS: The serum levels of CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in 112 patients with carcinoma of the pancreatic head and 38 patients with focal chronic pancreatitis in the pancreatic head were measured with ELISA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of the four serum tumor markers were calculated. The ROC curves for the four serum tumor markers were constructed and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. RESULTS: The AUCs of CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and CEA were 0.805, 0.749, 0.738 and 0.705; the PLRs were 1.91, 3.43, 5.09 and 5.46; and the NLRs were 0.41, 0.56, 0.59 and 0.71, respectively. Combined measurements increased the diagnostic specificity, and parallel combined testing increased the diagnostic sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Combined measurement of serum tumor markers CA19-9, CA242, CA50 and CEA is valuable in differential diagnosis of solid lesions located at the pancreatic head, and CA19-9 has the best diagnostic ability. Combined measurements can increase the specificity of diagnosis. Evaluation with the ROC curve is better than the sensitivity or specificity alone and the results are more integrated and objective.

Combination of serum tumor markers dickkopf-1,DCP and AFP for the diagnosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective:To evaluate the detection accuracy of the biomarkers dickkopf-1,DCP and AFP as a serum biomarker panel by comparing the sensitivity of the panel with those of the individual biomarkers.Methods:The study was composed of three groups,one with HCC patients,one with non-HCC liver diseases and one with healthy controls.Serum AFP was measured using a chemiluminescence assay and serum dickkopf-1 and DCP were measured with ELISA.The sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers were analyzed as single parameters and as a serum panel.Results:The HCC group showed higher levels of dickkopf-1,DCP and AFP than the other two groups(P<0.05).Dickkopf-1 showed better sensitivity(73.26%vx.58.13%.P<0.05) and better specificity(44.00%vs.29.00%,P>0.05) than AFP.DCP also had better sensitivity(74.42%vs.58.13%.P<0.05) than AFP,but their specificity was similar(30.00%vs.29.00%.P>0.05).The combination of the biomarkers as a scrum panel produced much better sensitivity(93.02%) and specificity(78.00%) than each of the markers individually(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of AFP.DCP and dickkopf-1 as a biomarker panel can significantly improve the detection power with much higher sensitivity and specificity for HCC than any of the biomarkers alone.The tests are convenient and inexpensive,and may serve as a valuable addition to current options for the diagnosis of HCC.

Serum tumor markers for detection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is one of the most frequent malignant tumors and is the second most common cause of cancer death in China. Therefore, it is very important to detect this disease and the recurrence at its earlier period. Serum tumor markers, as the effective method for detecting hepatocellular carcinoma for a long time, could be divided into 4 categories： oncofetal antigens and glycoprotein antigens; enzymes and isoenzymes; genes; and cytokines. Serum alpha fetoprotein （AFP） is the most widely used tumor marker in detecting patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and has been proven to have capability of prefiguring the prognosis. However, it has been indicated that AFP-L3 and DCP excel AFP in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from nonmalignant hepatopathy and detecting small hepatocellular carcinoma. Some tumor markers, such as human cervical cancer oncogene and human telomerase reverse transcriptase mRNA, have also been indicated to have higher accuracies than AFP. Furthermore, some other tumor markers, such as glypican-3, gamma-glutamyl transferase Ⅱ, alpha-Ifucosidase, transforming growth factor-beta1, tumorspecific growth factor, have been indicated to be available supplementaries to AFP in the detection. AFP mRNA has been shown to correlate with the metastasis and recurrence of HCC, and it may be the most useful marker to prefigure the prognosis. Some other markers, such as gamma-glutamyl transferase mRNA, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukin-8, could also be used as available prognostic indicators, and the simultaneous determination of AFP and these markers may detect the recurrence of HCC at its earlier period.