CA19-9 as a Prognostic Factor in Pancreatic Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Maisey N R, Norman A R, Hill A, Massey A, Oates J, Cunningham D
Primary Institution: Royal Marsden Hospital
Hypothesis
Does CA19-9 provide prognostic information in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer treated with systemic chemotherapy?
Conclusion
Baseline CA19-9 levels are an important independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer receiving chemotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Baseline CA19-9 above or below the median value was found to be an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.
- A fall of 20% in CA19-9 level at first measurement following the start of treatment was also an independent prognostic factor for overall survival.
- The median overall survival was significantly longer for patients with baseline CA19-9 below the median compared to those above.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a blood test called CA19-9 to help predict how long someone with pancreatic cancer might live after treatment.
Methodology
Retrospective analysis of patients treated with gemcitabine and/or 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy in phase III trials.
Limitations
The study is based on a relatively small cohort of 154 patients.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 63 years, with 62.8% male and varying disease extent.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Confidence Interval
1.3–2.5
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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