Squamous cell carcinoma antigen, tumor-associated trypsin inhibitor, and carcinoembryonic antigen for monitoring cervical cancer.

A total of 120 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were prospectively monitored with simultaneous serum level estimations of SCC, CEA, and TATI in different stages and phases of their disease. Positive values were observed for SCC in 72 patients (60%), for CEA in 47 (39%), and for TATI in 12 (10%). There was no increase in the SCC serum levels in the early stages of disease (IA, IB, IIA), whereas they increased significantly with advancing stage. Serum marker levels quickly dropped to normal in patients with advanced stages (IIB or higher) or recurrent disease who responded to treatment, as well as in patients with early-stage disease following local therapy. In addition, 28 patients, who had a renewed progression after a complete remission with normal marker levels, showed an increase in SCC in 26 cases (92%) and CEA in 7 (25%). TATI did not vary in these patients. In patients whose disease did not respond to treatment, a change in serum marker levels cannot be evidenced with the available numbers. This study indicates that the routine measurement of all three markers is not justified in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, and that SCC estimation is a potential tool for monitoring the efficacy of treatment in advanced stages or relapse.