Offir Ben-Ishay, Shirley Or Haim, Marielle Kaplan, Yoram Kluger
Context Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is the fifth leading cause of cancer related deaths in the European Union. Tumor markers CA19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen are important components in decision making and follow-up of patients diagnosed with this disease. These tumor markers were found to be elevated not only in the serum but also in other body fluids in patients with malignant lesions of the parotid gland and the urinary tract. Objectives The current preliminary study evaluates the correlation between serum CA19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen levels with those obtained in saliva and urine of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Methods We have prospectively collected blood, urine and saliva of patients with biopsy proven ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and documented elevated serum CA19-9 and/or carcinoembryonic antigen levels. In addition we have collected body fluids of healthy controls for normal values levels definition. Levels of tumor markers were measured using an immunochemistry analyzer based on an electrochemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay. Results CA19-9 and carcinoembryonic antigen were both detected in the saliva and urine of patients and controls. CA19-9 levels of the healthy controls were normal with a significant increase in serum CA19-9 (p-0.008) of the patient's group. Pearson product moment correlation test demonstrated a linear and consistent correlation between serum CA19-9 and saliva and urine levels. Conclusions The current pilot study demonstrated linear correlation of serum levels of CA19-9 with those measured in the saliva and urine of patients with ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. These results encourage us to undertake a larger cohort study to confirm our results and standardize the detected levels in these body fluids.
