Serum Levels of TAG 72 in Gynaecological Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): G. Scambia, P. Benedetti Panici, L. Perrone, C. Sonsini, S. Giannelli, A. Gallo, P.G. Natali, S. Mancuso
Primary Institution: Catholic University, Rome; National Cancer Institute, Regina Elena, Rome, Italy
Hypothesis
Does the measurement of TAG 72 provide clinical usefulness in gynaecological malignancies?
Conclusion
TAG 72 levels are elevated in a significant percentage of ovarian cancer patients but do not improve the sensitivity of existing tumor markers.
Supporting Evidence
- 66% of patients with ovarian cancer showed abnormal TAG 72 levels.
- Only 8% of patients with benign ovarian tumors had elevated TAG 72 levels.
- CA 125 was more sensitive than TAG 72 in detecting residual disease after surgery.
Takeaway
Doctors checked a special protein called TAG 72 in the blood of women with certain cancers to see if it helps in finding and tracking the disease, especially ovarian cancer.
Methodology
The study measured TAG 72 levels in serum samples from patients with benign and malignant gynaecological conditions and compared them with other tumor markers.
Limitations
TAG 72 did not increase the sensitivity of CA 125 and SCC, and its clinical usefulness was limited.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 285 women with benign and malignant gynaecological diseases, with a median age of 55.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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