CA 19-9 assay
A blood test used to measure the level of CA 19-9 antigen in the blood
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| Purpose | Measures CA 19-9 antigen levels |
| Test of | Pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, and other conditions |
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The CA 19-9 assay is a blood test used primarily to monitor pancreatic cancer and other types of gastrointestinal cancer. CA 19-9, or carbohydrate antigen 19-9, is a tumor marker that can be elevated in certain types of cancer and other conditions.
Background[edit | edit source]
CA 19-9 is a glycoprotein that is expressed on the surface of certain cancer cells. It was first identified in the early 1980s and has since been used as a marker for pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
The CA 19-9 assay is not used as a screening test for cancer because it is not specific enough. However, it is useful in the following scenarios:
- Monitoring treatment response: In patients with known pancreatic cancer, CA 19-9 levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. A decrease in CA 19-9 levels may indicate a positive response to therapy.
- Detecting recurrence: After treatment, rising CA 19-9 levels may suggest a recurrence of cancer.
- Prognostic indicator: Higher levels of CA 19-9 at diagnosis may be associated with a poorer prognosis.
Limitations[edit | edit source]
CA 19-9 is not specific to pancreatic cancer and can be elevated in other conditions, such as:
Additionally, some individuals do not produce CA 19-9 due to a lack of the Lewis antigen, which is necessary for the synthesis of CA 19-9. This limits the test's utility in these patients.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The CA 19-9 assay involves a simple blood draw. The blood sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to measure the level of CA 19-9 antigen. Results are typically reported in units per milliliter (U/mL).
Interpretation of Results[edit | edit source]
Normal levels of CA 19-9 are generally considered to be below 37 U/mL. However, the interpretation of results should be done in the context of the patient's clinical picture and other diagnostic findings.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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