Tumor markers (CEA, TPA and CA 19-9) in urine of bladder cancer patients.

This study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of determining urinary levels of carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA), tissue-polypeptide antigen (TPA), and gastro-intestinal cancer antigen (Ca19-9) in addition to the usual diagnostic procedures for bladder cancer. Sixty-seven patients with transitional bladder cancer, 40 healthy controls and 20 patients with inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract were considered. All urine samples were obtained from patients with intact renal function and no urinary tract infection. TPA and Ca19-9 urinary levels in patients with G3 bladder tumors were significantly higher than in those with lower graded neoplasms. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of a positive (PV+) or negative (PV-) test and the diagnostic accuracy were also evaluated. Ca19-9 was the best urinary marker for bladder cancer (sensitivity 71.6%, specificity 91.6%, PV+ 90.5%, PV- 74.3%, diagnostic accuracy 81%).