What are the tumor markers related to gastric cancer screening?

Tumor markers related to gastric cancer screening: CA724, CEA, CA199, CA50.

Gastric cancer-related tumor markers (CA724, CEA, CA199, CA50) are often used for early screening of gastric cancer.

1. CA724 (Carbohydrate Antigen 724)

CA724 was discovered in gastric cancer tissue in 1981. CA724 is almost not expressed in normal human tissues, nor in benign proliferative lesions of many tissues and organs, but can be significantly elevated in digestive tract tumors, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and lung cancer, and is particularly specific for gastric cancer.

Clinical significance

The positive rate of CA724 in gastric cancer is as high as 65-70%, and it is even higher in patients with metastasis. It can be used as an indicator for follow-up after treatment of gastric cancer, as well as an indicator for recurrence and prognosis. CA724 is related to tumor stage, mucosal involvement, liver metastasis and peritoneal invasion in patients with gastric cancer.

Influencing factors

CA724 is elevated in a small number of benign and infectious diseases; elevated CA724 levels can be seen in patients treated with omeprazole, glucocorticoids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; CA724 was found to increase progressively during the use of Ganoderma lucidum spore powder capsules, and returned to normal after discontinuation of use.

2. CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen)

It was discovered in colon cancer serum in 1965. It is an acidic glycoprotein with human embryonic antigen characteristics and a broad-spectrum tumor marker.

Clinical significance

It is mainly seen in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc. Other malignant tumors also have varying degrees of positive rates. Continuous CEA monitoring can be used to observe the postoperative efficacy and predict the prognosis of malignant tumors.

Influencing factors

Rectal polyps, colitis, cirrhosis, pneumonia and lung diseases also have varying degrees of elevation. Smokers and the elderly also have elevated CEA.

3. CA199 (Carbohydrate Antigen 199)

CA199 was discovered in 1979 and is currently one of the most clinically used and diagnostically valuable tumor-associated antigens.

Clinical significance

Malignant tumors: In digestive tract tumors, especially pancreatic cancer, CA199 levels are significantly elevated and are an important auxiliary diagnostic indicator. CA199 is mainly used for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of patients with pancreatic, hepatobiliary and gastric cancer.

Influencing factors

Increased CA199 levels can also be seen in ovarian and bronchial tumors, and can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of ovarian cancer. Acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis, cholestatic cholangitis, liver disease, and kidney disease can all cause varying degrees of increases in CA199 levels.

4. CA50 (Carbohydrate Antigen 50)

CA50 was discovered in 1983 and is a broad-spectrum tumor marker.

Clinical significance

Malignant tumors: CA50 is elevated in malignant tumors such as pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer, and can be used as an auxiliary diagnostic indicator. It can be used for the prognosis of malignant tumors, observation of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, postoperative efficacy, and early detection of recurrence and metastasis.

Influencing factors

CA50 is elevated in a small number of patients with benign liver diseases, enteritis, and sclerosing cholangitis.