Human neoplasms may produce and release into the circulation a variety of substances collectively referred to as tumor markers. Current tumor markers are neither highly sensitive nor tumor specific. No ideal tumor marker has been found. Some markers are useful in staging or classifying disease, in estimating prognosis, or in monitoring the response to treatment, non in screening for occult disease.
The oncofetal antigens comprise one particular group of markers, of which the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) has been the most widely studied, but CEA concentrations are, on average, somewhat higher in smokers than in nonsmokers, levels may be higher in men than in women and also tend to be slightly higher in older peoples. Racial differences in serum levels of CEA have been suggested but not established.
In order to determine normal values for CA-50 in normal healthy Koreans, serum samples from 189 asymptomatic persons were examined for CA-50. This study concern the carcinoma associated carbohydrate antigen CA-50, a new tumor marker and based on the use of a specific monoclonal antibody (C50) against membrane ganglioside of tumor cells.
The results were as follows:
1. Serum CA-50 level, man was 7.01 5.38 U/ml, woman 10.37 8.47 U/ml and on averge 8.57 7.17 U/ml, respectively. Serum CA 50 level in woman was higher than in man´ (p<0.001).
2. No sex differences were noted oritaverage, but somewhat higher level after 40 years was noted.
3. No differences between smoker and nonsmoker were noted.
4. Normal healthy Korean were about half levels lower than European.
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