[The clinical value of tumor marker CA50 and CA242 in digestive tract cancer].

OBJECTIVE

CA50 and CA242 are newly recognized serum tumor marker. This study is to show their value in the diagnosis of digestive tract tumor.

METHODS

164 patients with malignant digestive disease and 69 patients with benign disease were chosen. CA50 and CA242 level of these patients were measured by immunoradiometric assay.

RESULTS

The total sensitivity of CA50 and CA242 are 70% and 63% respectively. Two tumor markers rarely elevated in the patients with benign disease (false positive rate CA50 7.3%, CA242 4.3%). High percentage of elevated CA242 level was recorded in the patients with pancreatic and biliary cancers (Sensitivity 79%). Both have low sensitivity in patients with liver carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

CA50 and CA242 are valuable marker in the diagnosis of digestive tract tumor.