[Tumor markers in patients with head-neck carcinomas].

The clinical relevance of the tumor-associated antigens SCC (squamous-cell carcinoma), CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), and CA (carbohydrate antigen) 19-9 as tumor markers is evaluated. Twenty-six patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck region were studied in a six-month period. Concentrations above 2 ng/ml (SCC), 5 ng/ml (CEA), and 37 U/ml (CA 19-9) are regarded as markers of abnormal activity. Elevated tumor markers were found only in 12-15%. No correlation between the serum levels and tumor localization, staging, grading, or general condition was detected for any of the markers. In the follow-up, they revealed no disease-related information despite treatment variation. The results obtained suggest that, given the present state of biochemical possibilities and considering the rather low sensitivity for head and neck cancer, the routine assessment of SCC, CEA, and CA 19-9 serum levels is of no account.