Value of Cyfra 21-1, TPA, and SCC-Ag in predicting extracervical disease and prognosis in cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND

The value of serum Cyfra 21-1 level was compared with tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in squamous cell cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pre- and post-treatment serum levels of patients were compared with lymph node status, parametrial involvement, and prognostic data.

RESULTS

Pretreatment serum levels of each marker were significantly related to tumor stage, tumor size and the presence of either lymph node metastases or parametrial involvement. The clinical performance of each marker in predicting extracervical disease at initial diagnosis appeared to be similar. None of these tests achieved the conditions of a perfect test. Pretreatment serum levels of each marker showed prognostic value in the univariate analysis. The clinical performance of post-treatment SCC-Ag levels in predicting complete remission versus the presence of tumor during follow-up was better than Cyfra 21-1 or TPA.

CONCLUSION

SCC-Ag appears to be more useful than Cyfra 21-1 for monitoring patients with cervical cancer.