Limited clinical significance of the serum tumour marker Ca 72-4 in colorectal cancer
Lindmark, G.; Kressner, U.; Bergström, R.; Glimelius, B.
Anticancer Research 16(2): 895-898
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0250-7005 PMID: 8687147 Document Number: 459488
Background: We explored the potential value of CA 72-4 in the staging and prognostic prediction of colorectal cancer, as compared to six previously investigated serum tumour markers - CE4, CA 19-9, CA 50, CA 242, TPA, and TPS. Materials and Methods: CA 72-4 was analysed using an immunoradiometric assay in serum samples obtained, prior to surgery, from 196 consecutive patients resected between Jan. 1987 and Nov. 1992. Results: CA 72-4 levels increased with progressive tumour stages; a high level correlated with poor prognosis. However, the information obtained from CA 72-4 did not improve the ease of staging, as compared with other tumour markers. Various combinations of CA 72-4 with the other tumour markers did not add any substantial information to the staging procedure either. The value of CA 72-4 in prognostic prediction, as shown in the univariate analysis, was limited in the multivariate tumour marker analyses. Conclusions: CA 72-4 does not improve the staging and prognostic prediction of colorectal cancer, when compared with other serum tumour markers used.