Evaluating CA 242 as a Tumor Marker in Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): J.-L. Pujoll, E.H. Cooper, M. Lehmann, D.A. Purves, M. Dan-Aoutal, J. Midander, P. Godard, F.-B. Michell
Primary Institution: Service des Maladies Respiratoires, Universite de Montpellier
Hypothesis
Is there a relationship between pre-treatment serum CA 242 levels and features of non-small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
High levels of serum CA 242 are related to the stage of disease and predict no response to chemotherapy, but provide weak prognostic information.
Supporting Evidence
- CA 242 levels were significantly higher in metastatic disease compared to non-metastatic disease.
- Patients with elevated CA 242 levels had a shorter survival compared to those with normal levels.
- CA 242 levels increased significantly from stage I to stage IV.
Takeaway
Doctors looked at a blood test called CA 242 to see if it could help understand lung cancer better. They found that higher levels of CA 242 might mean the cancer is worse and that some treatments might not work.
Methodology
Serum CA 242 levels were measured in 102 lung cancer patients using a specific assay, and comparisons were made based on cancer stage and response to chemotherapy.
Limitations
The study's findings may not apply to all lung cancer patients, as the sensitivity of CA 242 was low and it may not be useful for diagnosis.
Participant Demographics
The study included 102 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, predominantly male (86 males, 16 females) with a mean age of 61.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.003
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