[The diagnostic information value of determining tumor-associated antigen Ca-19-9 in pancreatic cancer]

Clinical utility of radioimmunologic assessment of blood tumor-associated CA-19-9 antigen level was evaluated in 225 cases of various biliopancreatoduodenal pathology. The levels exceeded the discriminating value of 40 U/ml in 96.4% of patients with pancreatic cancer (mean - 641.7 U/ml), specifically, in those radically operated on for tumors 3 cm in diameter or larger. Application of this noninvasive method for screening for resectable pancreatic carcinoma is justified.