CA 19-9 Levels and Survival in Pancreatic Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Halm U, Schumann T, Schiefke I, Witzigmann H, Mössner J, Keim V
Primary Institution: University of Leipzig
Hypothesis
Does a decrease in CA 19-9 levels during chemotherapy with gemcitabine predict survival time in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer?
Conclusion
A decrease of CA 19-9 greater than 20% during the first weeks of chemotherapy with gemcitabine is associated with better survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients with a decrease of CA 19-9 > 20% had a median survival of 268 days.
- Patients with a rise or a decrease ≤ 20% had a median survival of 110 days.
- CA 19-9 response was the strongest independent predictor of survival.
Takeaway
If a blood test shows that a certain marker (CA 19-9) goes down after starting treatment for pancreatic cancer, it means the patient is likely to live longer.
Methodology
Forty-three patients with advanced pancreatic cancer were treated with gemcitabine, and CA 19-9 levels were measured to assess their relationship with survival.
Participant Demographics
Median age 61 years (range 39–76 years); 20 males and 23 females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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