Tumor markers tested in the blood are an important element in the rapid diagnosis of neoplasms. One of such markers is the protein CA 72-4, the elevated level of which may indicate neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. When is it advisable to test the CA 72-4 marker? How to prepare for the examination?

CA protein 72-4 , also calledtumor antigen 72-4 ,tumor associated glycoprotein 72 orTAG 72is a marker used in the diagnosis of certain cancers. CA 72-4 protein is practically absent in he althy cells, and its level may slightly increase in inflammatory diseases. On the other hand, the presence of CA 72-4 protein has been demonstrated in many tissues of fetal origin and adenocarcinoma cells, hence it has been used as a marker in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of the treatment of some cancers. Currently, intensive research is carried out on anti-cancer drugs targeting the CA 72-4 protein.

CA 72-4 - what is the test and how much does it cost?

The examination of the CA 72-4 marker is performed from venous blood taken from the elbow bend. Before the examination, the patient should be fasting. Then the blood is transported to the laboratory, where the CA 72-4 protein is determined using immunochemical methods, e.g. ECLIA

The price of testing the CA 72-4 marker in a commercial laboratory is from 50 to 120 PLN.

CA 72-4 - with whom to test?

Examination of the CA 72-4 marker is performed in people with suspicion:

  • stomach cancer
  • esophageal cancer
  • pancreatic cancer
  • colorectal cancer
  • ovarian cancer
  • and nipple cancer

Although increased levels of CA 72-4 in the blood have been reported in various neoplastic diseases, the highest diagnostic sensitivity is found in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and ovary. However, the specificity of this study is over 95%. There is also a positive correlation between CA 72-4 protein level and tumor severity and size.

In addition, examination after cancer diagnosis can also be used to monitor its treatment. Therefore, CA 72-4 is the marker of choice for therapy monitoring in gastric and ovarian cancer. In the latter case, especially in patients negative for the CA 125 marker.

CA72-4 - standard

The standard for the CA 72-4 marker may differ depending on the laboratory. Examples of standards for CA 72-4 are:

  • <6,9 U/ml
  • <4,0 ng/ml

CA 72-4 - what does the wrong result mean?

Increased levels of the CA 72-4 marker in the blood may indicate:

  • gastric cancer, in order to increase the sensitivity of the diagnosis, it is worth additionally testing the CEA marker in the blood
  • pancreatic cancer, in order to increase the sensitivity of diagnosis, it is worth performing an additional examination of the CA 19-9 marker in the blood
  • ovarian cancer, in order to increase the sensitivity of diagnosis, it is worth performing an additional test of the CA 125 marker in the blood
  • esophageal cancer
  • colorectal cancer

It is worth noting that the increased level of CA 72-4 in the blood is also observed in non-neoplastic diseases such as:

  • breast diseases
  • ovarian cysts
  • lung diseases
  • cirrhosis of the liver
  • pancreatitis
  • rheumatic diseases
  • Squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag)
  • CA 19-9 tumor antigen - standard and test results
  • CA-125 tumor antigen: tumor marker
  • TPA - tissue polypeptide antigen
  • Tumor markers (neoplastic indicators): types and results of tests
  • Tumor markers (tumor antigens) - substances present in the blood of cancer patients

Category:

Research