[Differences in assay sensitivity of selected tumor markers in head and neck neoplasms]

Serum levels of seven tumor markers (AFP, Ca 19-9, CEA, TPA, NSE, ferritin and SCC-Ag) were measured in 95 patients with carcinoma of the head and neck to determine their sensitivity. The positive rates in 95 patients with the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were: 2.1% for AFP, 13.8% for Ca 19-9, 2.1% for CEA, 32.9% for TPA, 29.8% for ferritin, 53.2% for NSE and 46.8% for SCC-Ag in the first exam. Lowest sensitivity in the first exam of tests were in patients with SCC of the larynx: TPA-29.5%, ferritin-26%, NSE-51%, SCC-Ag 48%. Highest sensitivity of tests were in patients with SCC in other localisation than larynx: AFP-0%, Ca 19-9-23.5%, CEA-5.9%, TPA-38%, ferritin-35%, NSE-56%, SCC-62%. The sensitivity of the combination assay with these four tumor markers (TPA, ferritin, NSE, SCC-Ag) was higher than those obtained with individual markers. The sensitivity of the combination assay was for the group 95 patients 87.4% (first exam), for patients with SCC of the larynx 85.2% (first exam), for 34 patients with SCC in other localisations than larynx 91.2% (first exam). Combination assay with TPA, ferritin, NSE and SCC-Ag could be useful for screening and seems to be most useful for detection of recurrence in the follow-up.