Do we really benefit from checking tumor markers in detecting recurrence in gastrointestinal cancer?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and CA 19.9 in the early detection of local or systemic recurrence in gastrointestinal malignancies.


METHODS
Twenty-six patients with operable gastrointestinal cancer, who had elevated levels of either CEA or CA 19.9 or both during the postoperative follow-up period were evaluated. Serum estimation of tumor markers were carried out at 3-month intervals and the imaging and endoscopic procedures were performed at 6-month intervals or when a patient had an elevated tumor marker during follow-up.


RESULTS
The difference of mean serum levels of CA 19.9 but not of CEA was found to be statistically significant between the two groups of patients with or without radiographically / endoscopically evident recurrent disease (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
CA 19.9 was found to be a better, though not specific, indicator of recurrence. The relative small number of patients precludes reaching a firm conclusion. Further studies are needed to establish the role of these markers in determining early recurrence and their impact in overall survival.
Ozguroglu
M
M
Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Medical Oncology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Turna
H
H