Serum Tumor Markers and Outcomes in Patients With Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Biomarker Research
• Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Serum tumor markers like CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 are established in managing GI and gynecological cancers.
• Limited data exists on their utility in appendiceal adenocarcinoma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the association between serum tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9, CA125) and clinical outcomes in appendiceal adenocarcinoma.
• To explore correlations with pathologic and molecular features.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 1338 appendiceal adenocarcinoma patients.
• Analysis of serum tumor marker levels (CEA, CA19-9, CA125) and overall survival.
• Cox proportional hazards regression for survival analysis.

Main Results:

• Elevated CEA, CA19-9, or CA125 were individually associated with significantly worse 5-year survival.
• Higher marker levels, particularly in the top 10th percentile, correlated with markedly reduced survival.
• An increasing number of elevated markers incrementally increased the risk of death, with all three elevated showing an 11-fold increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Serum CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 are significantly associated with overall survival in appendiceal adenocarcinoma.
• These biomarkers should be incorporated into the initial diagnostic evaluation for patients with this diagnosis.