Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Journal of B.U.ON., cilt.9, sa.2, ss.179-182, 2004 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Purpose: To evaluate the role of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19.9 in the early detection of local or systemic recurrence in gastrointestinal malignancies. Patients and methods: Twenty-six patients with operable gastrointestinal cancer, who had elevated levels of either CEA or CA 19.9 or both during the postoperative follow-up period were evaluated. Serum estimation of tumor markers were carried out at 3-month intervals and the imaging and endoscopic procedures were performed at 6-month intervals or when a patient had an elevated tumor marker during follow-up. Results: The difference of mean serum levels of CA 19.9 but not of CEA was found to be statistically significant between the two groups of patients with or without radiographically / endoscopically evident recurrent disease (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CA 19.9 was found to be a better, though not specific, indicator of recurrence. The relative small number of patients precludes reaching a firm conclusion. Further studies are needed to establish the role of these markers in determining early recurrence and their impact in overall survival. © 2004 Zerbinis Medical Publications.