To analyze the clinical significance of CA 19-9 and 125 in the liver cirrhosis and malignant diseases, the levels of both tumor markers were determined in 49 patients with liver cirrhosis (38 cases with ascites and 11 cases without ascites) and
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patients with malignant diseases (10 cases with hepatoma and 11 cases with GI malignancy) among the patients admitted in Taegu Catholic University hospital.
The results were as follows;
1) Serum Ca 19-9 levels in malignant diseases were significantly higher than those of liver cirrhosis.
2) Serum CA 19-9 levels were elevated above the cutoff value (37 u/ml) in 29% of liver cirrhosis, in 45% of gastrointestinal malignancy, and in 50% of hepatoma.
3) Serum CA 125 levels, although was not statistically significant, were elevated in regular sequence among patients with liver cirrhosis without ascites, those with liver cirrhosis with ascites, and those with hepatoma.
4) Serum CA 125 levels were elevated above the cutoff value (35 u/ml) in 64% of patients with liver cirrhosis without ascites ,in 91% of those with liver cirrhosis with ascites, and in 100% of those with hepatoma.
5) Positive predictive value of hepatoma against liver cirrhosis was very low (about 20%) with single or combined test of CA 19-9 and CA 125.
In conclusion, although both tumor markers are useful in screening test of hepatoma, quantitative valuation of tumor markers, CA 125 and CA 19-9, is essential for hepatoma to differentiate from liver cirrhosis.
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