Tumor markers associated with pancreatic cancer

Laboratory tests for pancreatic cancer, in addition to routine blood amylase, transaminase, blood sugar level tests and stool and urine tests, mainly focus on the detection of tumor markers related to pancreatic cancer.

1. CA19-9

CA19-9 is the most sensitive marker for pancreatic cancer so far. Its normal serum value is less than 37U/mL, generally with 70U/mL as the boundary. Its sensitivity and specificity are 72% and 92% respectively.

2. CA242

Elevated serum CA242 is mainly seen in pancreatic cancer. If CA242＞30U/mL is used as the diagnostic standard, the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer is 79%. CA242 is a valuable marker for pancreatic cancer.

3. TAG724

The sensitivity of serum TAG724 to pancreatic cancer is 44.8%. The determination of TAG724 levels in pancreatic cystic tumor fluid has a certain reference value for distinguishing mucinous cystadenocarcinoma from pseudocysts and serous cystadenocarcinoma. When TAG724 in cystic fluid is greater than 150U/mL, mucinous cystadenocarcinoma can be basically diagnosed, and its sensitivity and specificity can reach 100%.

4. CA125

The CA125 positivity rate in pancreatic cancer patients is 75.5%, and is related to the stage of pancreatic cancer, with a low positivity rate in the early stage and a relatively high positivity rate in the late stage.

5. Telomerase

95% of pancreatic cancer tissues are telomerase positive, while benign pancreatic tumors are all negative. Testing telomerase in pancreatic juice and pancreatic duct brushings has early diagnostic significance for pancreatic cancer and helps to differentiate between benign and malignant pancreatic diseases.