TUMOR-MARKER DETECTION IN ESOPHAGEAL-CARCINOMA

Levels of the tumour markers CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125 and SCC were measure d in 58 patients presenting with oesophageal carcinoma and compared wi th levels in patients with benign oesophageal disease and levels in no rmal volunteers. CEA and CA 19-9 were significantly increased in the p atients with oesophageal cancer, however, individual sensitivity for C EA, CA 19-9, CA 125 and SCC was only 28, 34, 10, and 32%, respectively . The combined sensitivity of all markers was 64% and specificity was 80%. There was no difference in combined tumour marker sensitivity bet ween squamous or adenocarcinomas of the oesophagus. No consistent chan ge in marker levels occurred with treatment, and tumour marker levels could not be significantly correlated with stage of disease or short-t erm survival. These results indicate that tumour marker sensitivity is too low for oesophageal cancer screening and has poor prognostic sign ificance in those undergoing treatment.