Difference in prognostic value between sialyl Lewis(a) and sialyl Lewis(x)antigens in blood samples obtained from the drainage veins of the colorectal tumors

Subtraction values. (i.e. values obtained by subtracting the serum titer of sialyl Lewis(a) (CA19-9) and sialyl Lewis(x) (SLX) antigens in peripheral venous blood from the serum titer of the same antigen in the tumor's draina ge venous blood) were determined in order to clarify whether or not such va lues for these specific antigens (d-CA19-9 and d-SLX) are prognostic factor s after resection for colorectal cancer. The blood samples were obtained fr om 144 colorectal cancer patients during surgical excisions of the tumors. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that d-SLX level was an indep endent prognostic factor, separate from stage, while d-CA19-9 level did not have any additional prognostic value. In conclusion, a high d-SLX level is a predictor of poor outcome after surgery. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Irela nd Ltd. All rights reserved.