Adjusted carbohydrate antigen 19-9. Correlation with histological grade in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The serum level of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) depends on the tumor size and differentiation grade. Jaundice can cause an elevation of serum CA 19-9, although the nature of this interaction is not fully understood.


METHODS
This was a retrospective study of 26 patients with potentially resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Serum CA 19-9 was correlated with the histological differentiation. CA 19-9 adjusted for serum bilirubin was determined and analyzed.


RESULTS
No correlation between CA 19-9 and histological differentiation was determined (p>0.05). The median adjusted CA 19-9 level was significantly lower (p=0.01) in patients with normal biliary excretion than those with bilirubin levels >2 mg/dL.


CONCLUSIONS
These data are consonant with the theory of a dual contribution to the serum CA 19-9 level from biliary obstruction and tumor cell synthesis.
Ortiz-González
Jorge
J
Department of Surgical Oncology, National Institute of Cancerology, México DF, México. ortizgj_p@correo.unam.mx
Alvarez-Aguila
Nora Patricia
NP
Medina-Castro
Juan Manuel
JM
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology*; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D018395:CA-19-9 Antigen / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D018395:CA-19-9 Antigen; D001663:Bilirubin