[Diagnostic usefulness of serum levels of pancreatic oncofetal antigen (POA) and CA 19-9 in pancreatic cancers: monitoring of postoperative recurrences].

Serum levels of POA (EIA; less than 11.0 U/ml) and CA 19-9 (RIA; less than or equal to 37 U/ml) were measured in 54 patients with pancreatic cancer and 19 patients with benign diseases of the pancreas. Although serum CA 19-9 and POA were elevated in 72.7% and 69.4% of patients with pancreatic cancer, respectively, patients in relatively early stage showed low percent of elevation. Therefore, these markers are unsuitable for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancers. However, these markers seem promising in differentiating preoperatively between pancreatic cancer and benign disease of the pancreas. These markers are also useful for monitoring the recurrence of pancreatic cancers. Of particular, patients with preoperatively high level seem good candidates for postoperative monitoring.