Related Experiment Videos
[Tumor markers in patients with head-neck carcinomas]
E K Walther1, N Dahlmann, H T Gorgulla
1Universitäts-Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Klinik Bonn.
Laryngo- Rhino- Otologie
|May 1, 1990
Summary
Routine assessment of squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) serum levels is not clinically relevant for head and neck cancer. These tumor markers showed low sensitivity and provided no disease-related information during patient follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Context:
- Head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern.
- Accurate tumor markers are crucial for effective HNSCC diagnosis and management.
- Current tumor markers like SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 require further evaluation for HNSCC clinical utility.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical relevance of SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 as tumor markers in HNSCC patients.
- To determine the sensitivity and correlation of these markers with clinical parameters in HNSCC.
- To assess the utility of routine SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 monitoring in HNSCC patient follow-up.
Summary:
- A study involving 26 HNSCC patients assessed SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 serum levels over six months.
- Elevated tumor markers were observed in only 12-15% of patients.
- No significant correlation was found between marker levels and tumor characteristics (localization, staging, grading, general condition) or treatment response.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that routine assessment of SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 serum levels has limited value in HNSCC management due to low sensitivity.
- This research highlights the need for developing more sensitive and specific biomarkers for HNSCC.
- The study advises against the routine use of these specific tumor markers in clinical practice for HNSCC, pending further advancements.