Premium
Serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a mini review for surgeons
Author(s) -
Goh Su Kah,
Gold Grace,
Christophi Christopher,
Muralidharan Vijayaragavan
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
anz journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.426
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-2197
pISSN - 1445-1433
DOI - 10.1111/ans.14131
Subject(s) - medicine , biomarker , ca19 9 , adenocarcinoma , pancreatic cancer , gastroenterology , pathology , oncology , cancer , biochemistry , chemistry
The optimal management of oncological conditions is reflected by the careful interpretation of investigations for screening, diagnosis, staging, prognostication and surveillance. Serum tumour markers are examples of commonly requested tests in conjunction with other imaging and endoscopic tests that are used to help clinicians to stratify therapeutic decisions. Serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 ( CA 19‐9) is a key biomarker for pancreatic cancers. Although this biomarker is considered clinically useful and informative, clinicians are often challenged by the accurate interpretation of elevated serum CA 19‐9 levels. Recognizing the pitfalls of normal and abnormal serum CA 19‐9 concentrations will facilitate its appropriate use. In this review, we appraised the biomarker, serum CA 19‐9, and highlighted the clinical utility and limitations of serum CA 19‐9 in the investigation and management of pancreatic cancers.