Correlation between tumor markers and tumor size.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biochemistry
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Histopathology is the traditional method for tumor diagnosis but lacks specificity.
• Existing tumor markers show low positive detection rates.
• A need exists for improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a novel method for enhancing tumor marker release into the bloodstream.
• To improve the diagnostic accuracy of cancer detection using a combination assay of tumor markers.
• To establish a correlation between tumor marker levels and tumor size.

Main Methods:

• Administered intramuscular vitamin A and infrared hyperthermia to 203 cancer patients to induce tumor marker release.
• Collected blood samples periodically to measure levels of CEA, ferritin (FT), alpha-fetoprotein, sialic acid, and FT/Fe ratio.
• Analyzed the correlation between released tumor marker levels and tumor size.

Main Results:

• The induction method increased the detection rates for individual tumor markers.
• A linear correlation was observed between tumor marker levels and tumor size.
• Combination assays of five tumor markers achieved positive detection rates of 53%, 65%, and 94% corresponding to increasing tumor size.

Conclusions:

• The combination of vitamin A and infrared hyperthermia effectively induces tumor marker release for improved detection.
• This release induction method enhances the diagnostic utility of tumor markers in cancer patients.
• The improved detection rates show a strong correlation with tumor size, aiding in diagnosis and monitoring.