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The combination of CA125, CA199, CEA, and AFP is an effective diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer in elderly individuals

  • 0Department of Laboratory Medicine of The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Foshan, 528200, Guangdong, China. 499963979@qq.com.
World Journal of Surgical Oncology +

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April 12, 2025

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April 12, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Serum tumour markers (TMs) like CEA and CA199 show promise for diagnosing gastric cancer (GC) in older adults. Combining these markers significantly improves diagnostic accuracy for elderly GC patients.

Area Of Science

  • Oncology
  • Biomarkers
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background

  • Established prognostic value of serum tumor markers (TMs) like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and CA125 in gastric cancer (GC).
  • Limited investigation into the diagnostic utility of these TMs specifically for GC in elderly populations.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of AFP, CEA, CA199, and CA125 for GC in elderly individuals.
  • To evaluate the combined diagnostic value of these serum TMs for GC in older adults.

Main Methods

  • Retrospective analysis of 188 patients (89 with GC, 52 with benign gastric disease, 47 healthy controls) from May 2021 to March 2024.
  • Measurement of serum levels for AFP, CEA, CA199, and CA125.
  • Comparison of TM levels across GC, benign gastric disease, and healthy groups, and correlation with TNM stages.
  • Evaluation of diagnostic performance using Area Under the Curve (AUC).

Main Results

  • Significantly higher positivity rates for AFP, CA125, CEA, and CA199 in GC patients compared to controls.
  • Individual diagnostic sensitivities for GC: CEA (31.46%), CA125 (29.21%), CA199 (44.90%), AFP (24.72%).
  • Combined use of these markers achieved a significantly higher sensitivity (65.17%) than individual markers (P < 0.05).
  • Elevated TM levels correlated with advanced TNM stages (III-IV) in GC patients.

Conclusions

  • Serum TMs (CA12-5, CEA, CA199, AFP) are elevated in elderly GC patients and indicate higher TNM stage.
  • Combination of CEA, CA12-5, CA199, and AFP enhances diagnostic value for GC in the elderly.
  • Future prospective trials are needed to validate these findings due to the study's retrospective design.

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