Abstract
A sensitive and relatively specific tumoral marker for lung epidermoid carcinomas could be used to identify patients likely to benefit from new therapeutic protocols. The cyfra 21-1 fragment of cytokeratin 19 has raised much hope in this regard amongst both technologists and clinicians. In a study of 195 subjects, we have shown by means of a serum assay that the usual cut-off value for this marker (3.3 ng/ml) can be lowered to 1.5 ng/ml without loss of specificity, and with an increase in sensitivity. There was a good correlation between serum marker level and tumor extension, but though cyfra 21-1 was not predictive of the suitability of a patient for surgery. A decrease of cyfra-21-1 was observed after complete resection of the tumor. There was no relation between serum assay results and immunohistochemical findings.
MeSH terms
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Adenocarcinoma / blood
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Adenocarcinoma / chemistry
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Adenocarcinoma / complications
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Adenocarcinoma / pathology
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Adenocarcinoma / surgery
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Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
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Biomarkers, Tumor / blood
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / blood
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / chemistry
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / complications
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
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Carcinoma, Small Cell / surgery
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / blood
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / chemistry
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / complications
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / surgery
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Humans
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Immunoenzyme Techniques
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Keratins / analysis*
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Keratins / blood
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Lung Diseases / blood
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Lung Diseases / complications
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Lung Neoplasms / blood
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Lung Neoplasms / chemistry*
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Lung Neoplasms / complications
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Lung Neoplasms / pathology
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Lung Neoplasms / surgery
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Necrosis
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Neoplasm Proteins / analysis*
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Neoplasm Proteins / blood
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Neoplasm Staging
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Postoperative Period
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Predictive Value of Tests
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Sensitivity and Specificity
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Tuberculosis / blood
Substances
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Neoplasm Proteins
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Keratins