Evaluation of seven tumour markers in pleural fluid for the diagnosis of malignant effusions
1999
Evaluating Tumor Markers for Diagnosing Malignant Pleural Effusions
Sample size: 215
publication
Evidence: high
Author Information
Author(s): Miédougé M, Rouzaud P, Salama G, Pujazon M-C, Vincent C, Mauduyt M-A, Reyre J, Carles P, Serre G
Primary Institution: University of Toulouse III
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the effectiveness of seven tumor markers in pleural fluid for diagnosing malignant effusions.
Conclusion
The combination of specific tumor markers significantly improves the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions.
Supporting Evidence
- The best individual diagnostic sensitivities were observed with CEA, CA 15–3, and CA 72–4.
- A high sensitivity was obtained with SCC in squamous cell carcinomas.
- NSE showed high sensitivity in small-cell lung carcinomas.
- The optimal combination for diagnosing non-lymphomatous malignant effusions was CEA + CA 15–3 + CYFRA + NSE.
Takeaway
Doctors can use certain markers in fluid from the lungs to tell if someone has cancer, and using a mix of these markers works best.
Methodology
The study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of seven tumor markers in pleural fluid from patients with malignant and benign effusions.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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