A comparison of serum Cyfra 21-1 and SCC AG in the diagnosis of squamous cell esophageal carcinoma

Cyfra 21-1 is a useful marker in lung cancer. The only tumor marker used at the present time in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC is SCC (squa mous cell carcinoma). In this study we evaluated the pre-treatment sensitiv ity and specificity of these two markers in this setting. Cyfra 21-1 and SC C were determined by radio-immunoassay on 76 patients having OSCC. Staging was done according to the UICC 1978 classification based on endoscopy, bary um enema and CT scan. The sensitivity of Cyfra 21-1 is better at the 1.5 ng /ml level (54%) than at the usual reported level of 3.6 ng/ml (26%). The be st level for sensitivity of SCC is 1.5 ng/ml. At these levels, sensitivity of Cyfra 21-1 and SCC for advanced stages (T3 or M1) are respectively 72% a nd 50%. The specificity of Cyfra 21-1 and SCC for stages T1 or T2 are respe ctively 53% and 73%. The combination of these two markers increase sensitiv ity at 64% for all stages and at 89% for advanced stages (T3 or MI) and is a significant prognostic factor for survival This study confirms the value of Cyfra 21-1 in OSCC at tire normal level of 1.5 ng/ml. The combination wi th SC improves the results. We now need to evaluate the role of these two m arkers in the follow up of oesophageal carcinoma.