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Sensitivity and specificity of epstein‐barr virus I G A titer in the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a three‐year institutional review
Author(s) -
Tsang Raymond K. Y.,
Vlantis Alexander C.,
Ho Ricky W. K.,
Tam John S. L.,
To K. F.,
Andrew van Hasselt C.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.20022
Subject(s) - nasopharyngeal carcinoma , titer , virus , virology , epstein–barr virus , carcinoma , medicine , radiation therapy
Background. IgA antibody titers to the Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) viral capsid antigen (EBV IgA‐VCA) and to the EBV early antigen (EBV IgA‐EA) are used to screen for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of EBV IgA‐VCA and EBV IgA‐EA titers in screening patients for NPC and in those diagnosed with NPC at our institution. Methods. The NPC status was determined for all patients who had their EBV IgA‐VCA and EBV‐IgA EA titers measured over a 3‐year period, and the sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results. Five thousand one hundred ninety‐six samples were analyzed. NPC was diagnosed in 215 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a raised EBV IgA‐VCA titer (≥1:5) for diagnosing NPC were 89% and 80%, respectively, with a raised EbV IgA‐EA titer (≥1:5) having a sensitivity and specificity of 63% and 97%, respectively. Conclusions. Although the EBV IgA‐VCA titer is sensitive for the diagnosis of NPC, it should not be used as the sole means of screening for NPC in a population in which NPC is endemic. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 26 : 598–602, 2004