IS THE TUMOR-MARKER CA-19.9 USEFUL IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC-CANCER

Objective: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the tumor m arker Ca 19.9 in subjects with suspected pancreatic cancer. Material a nd methods: Levels of Ca 19.9 antigen were measured by enzymeimmunoass ay during a 3 year period to 72 patients investigated for suspected pa ncreatic cancer. Results: A threshold of 100 U/ml resulted in sensitiv ity of 94.7%, specificity of 39.6%, positive predictive value of 36% a nd negative predictive value of 95.4%. Conclusion: Levels of Ca 19.9 a ntigen > 100 U/ml are suggestive of malignancy in patients investigate d for suspected pancreatic cancer.