Significance of combined testing of serum tumor markers in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Objective To evaluate the value of combined testing of serum tumor markers in the diagnosis and prognosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.Methods Eight serum tumor markers, including AFP\,CEA\,CA-50\,CA72-4\,CA-125\,CA153\,CA19-9 and CA242, was tested in 129 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma by using chemiluminescence immunoassay, immunofluorescence assay and immunoradiometric assay, respectively; 99 patients with other malignant tumors, 63 patients with begnign disease and 27 cases following pancreatectomy were studied at the same time.Results Among the 8 tumor markers, CA19-9\,CA242\,CA-50 and CA72-4 were more valuable in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma. Method of parallel combined testing could increase the diagnostic sensitivity to 89.2% and serial combined examination could increase the diagnostic specificity to 92.3%. The serum tumor markers was decreased significantly after radical tumor resection.Conclusion Serum CA19-9\,CA242\,CA-50 and CA72-4 were the preferred tumor markers to be used in the diagnosis and the follow up of operated cases of pancreatic carcinoma. Combined testing could increase the sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosing pancreatic carcinoma.