Is the carbohydrate antigen Ca 19.9 useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma?]
OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the tumor marker Ca 19.9 in subjects with suspected pancreatic cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Levels of Ca 19.9 antigen were measured by enzymeimmunoassay during a 3 year period to 72 patients investigated for suspected pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: A threshold of 100 U/ml resulted in sensitivity of 94.7%, specificity of 39.6%, positive predictive value of 36% and negative predictive value of 95.4%. CONCLUSION: Levels of Ca 19.9 antigen > 100 U/ml are suggestive of malignancy in patients investigated for suspected pancreatic cancer.
