Value of biomarkers in diagnosis of gastric carcinoma

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the serum tumor markers levels of CEA, CA 19-9, CA 72-4 and ß-CrossLaps in gastric cancer patients. As an additional parameter we investigated the membrane phospholipid profile of gastric cancer patients. Material and methods: We measured tumor marker and phospholipid concentration in 40 patients suffering from gastric cancer, 12 patients suffering from pankreatitis and 40 patients with gastric ulcera. We used the Elecsys 2010 analyser (electrochemiluminescence immunoassay) to determine the concentrations of CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 72-4. For ß-CrossLaps we used an One Step ELISA. Phospholipid fractions were determined by HPLC. Results: Preoperative serum levels of CEA, CA 19-9 and CA 72-4 showed sensitivities of 47,5%, 68% and 76% respectively. Sensitivity of ß-CrossLap was 63% for non metastatic and 76% for metastatic gastric cancer. Phospholipid fraction of phosphatidyl ethanolamine showed elevated concentrations. Conclusion: Additional prognostic information can be obtained using the combined assay of these tumor markers in gastric cancer patients. (Clin Exp Med Lett 2009; 50(1):1-4)

Keywords: gastric cancer, tumour markers, ßCrossLaps, phospholid profile