Assessment of tumor markers CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125, and CA 242 for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of gallbladder cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the leading and aggressive cancers in this region of India. It is very difficult to diagnose in the early stage, as it lacks typical early signs and symptoms; thus, the diagnosis is often in the advanced stage, which ultimately leads to a poor 5-year survival outcome. Tumor markers including carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA 125, CA 242, and alpha fetoprotein are used as indicators in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBC.

AIM

To compare tumor marker levels between GBC and benign GB diseases (GBDs) and to assess the combined use of tumor markers to increase the diagnostic accuracy for GBC.

METHODS

Patients of either sex aged ≥ 18 years, with suspected GBC (GB polyp, irregular thick GB wall, GB mass, porcelain GB) on the basis of radiological imaging were included in this study. GB wall thickness using ultrasonography and tumor markers CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, and CA 242 in all patients were recorded. All cases after surgical intervention were divided into two groups, GBC and benign GBD, according to histopathological examination findings. The cases were followed up and clinical findings, radiological findings, and levels of tumor markers were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients were included in this study, of whom 80 patients had GBC and 120 patients had benign GBD. The median (interquartile range) age was 52.0 (41.0-60.0) years and the majority of patients (132, 66.0%) were women. Tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly elevated in patients with GBC (P < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in tumor markers at 3 and 6 mo from baseline (P < 0.001). The mean survival of patients with normal and elevated levels of tumor markers CA 125, CA 19-9, and CEA was comparable; however lymph node metastasis and CA 242 expression level were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly associated with GBC. However, no significant association was observed between the presence of elevated levels of any tumor marker with respect to survival. Tumor marker assessment during follow-up may represent a treatment response.

Key Words: Benign gallbladder; Tumor markers; Survival; Benign lesions; Sensitivity; Specificity

Core Tip: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the leading and aggressive cancers, which is often diagnosed in the advanced and metastatic stage as it lacks typical early signs and symptoms. This study assessed the different tumor markers separately and in combination, to determine the diagnostic accuracy of these markers and prognostic significance in GBC. The level of tumor markers was significantly elevated in GBC. There was no association between the presence of elevated levels of any marker and survival; however, it showed response to treatment with a significant reduction in tumor markers at 3 mo and 6 mo.

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the leading and most aggressive cancers in the north and north-east region of India. There is a high prevalence of GBC in the northern region of India, especially in women (11.8/100000 population) and the north-east region (17.1/100000 population)[1].

It is very difficult to diagnose GBC in the early stage as it lacks typical clinical early manifestations leading to poor 5-year survival outcomes[2-4]. It is critical to diagnose GBC as early as possible, as most patients present in the advanced stage and thus have a low chance of radical treatment and prolonged survival.

Presently, the diagnosis of GBC mainly depends on radiological imaging such as ultrasonography (USG), computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography scan, and invasive examination such as fine-needle aspiration cytology, core biopsy, and laparoscopy. In spite of these, there is no single tumor marker that can be used to diagnose and prognosticate GBC[5-7].

Tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), CA 242, and CA 19-9 have been widely used for the diagnosis of various types of cancer. CEA and CA 19-9 have traditionally been used as tumor markers for GBC, although they are not very sensitive. Despite their low sensitivity, it has been found that when these markers are used individually to diagnose GBC, inconsistent results are obtained[8-11]. Currently, only one study from China has reported the combined use of these tumor markers to increase the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity for GBC[12].

The present study compared tumor marker levels between GBC and benign GB diseases (GBDs) and assessed the combined use of tumor markers to increase the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for GBC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was an observational study conducted at the Department of Biochemistry in collaboration with the Department of General Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology, and the State Cancer Institute, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna from September 2018 to August 2020. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (Vide Letter No. 479/IEC/2018/IGIMS), and the study procedure was in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Patients of either sex aged ≥ 18 years and patients with high suspicion of GBC (irregular thick GB wall, GB mass, GB polyp, porcelain GB) on the basis of radiological imaging were included in this study. Patients with a GB mass with surgical obstructive jaundice, disseminated GBC, those already receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and those who presented with synchronous second primary cancer were excluded from the study. A venous blood sample was collected from each patient in the fasting state. The data of all patients regarding age at presentation, weight, body mass index, biochemical parameters such as complete blood count, liver function test, kidney function test, tumor markers CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 242, and GB wall thickness using USG were recorded. All patients who were included in the study underwent surgical management and the surgical specimen was sent for histopathological examination (HPE). Cancer staging was performed according to the 8^th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging system for GBC (8^th ed, 2017). All cases were divided into the GBC group and the benign GBD group according to HPE findings. Patients in the GBC group were evaluated at 3 and 6 mo. During each follow-up, clinical findings, radiological findings, the level of tumor markers, and other laboratory parameters were recorded.

Tumor markers including CA 125, CA 19-9, and CEA were estimated by the chemiluminescence immunoassay principle using the Beckman-Coulter Access 2 Immunoassay System, maintaining all quality control precautions using the Calibrator and Reagent Kit provided by Beckman Coulter with reference range (CA 125, 0-35 U/mL; CA19-9, 0-35 U/mL; CEA, 0-3 ng/mL). Tumor marker CA 242 was estimated with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit with reference range 0-20 U/mL.

Definition

The survival time for each patient was defined as the interval between the date of definitive resection and the date of last follow-up or death. Disease-free interval was defined as the interval between completion of surgical resection and diagnosis of recurrence.

Statistical analysis

Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software, version 23.0. Qualitative data are presented as numbers and percentages, whereas quantitative data are presented as the mean ± standard deviation or median (range), depending on the normal or skewed distribution of data. The normal distribution of quantitative data was assessed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. The independent sample t-test or the Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the continuous variables and the chi-square (χ²) test for the categorical variables. The Cox regression model was used to determine the correlation between mortality and liver function test. Hazards ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Kaplan-Meier event-free survival was computed and plotted. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Overall characteristics of patients

A total of 200 patients were included in this study, of whom 80 patients had GBC and 120 patients had benign GBD. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age was 52.0 (41.0-60.0) years and 132 (66.0%) patients were women. The laboratory parameters are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1 Demographic characteristics.

Parameters	GBC, n = 80	Benign GB disease, n = 120	Total, n = 200	P value
Age, yr (n = 200)	57.0 (50.2-66.5)	47.0 (34.0-56.0)	52.0 (41.0-60.0)	< 0.001
Sex (n = 200), n (%)				0.951
Men	27 (33.8)	41 (34.2)	68 (34.0)
Women	53 (66.3)	79 (65.8)	132 (66.0)
BMI in kg/m2, (mean)	27.06 ± 4.46	26.50 ± 5.6	26.8 ± 4.98	0.229
Hemoglobin in g/dL	11.8 (10.8-12.6)	11.6 (10.2-12.8)	11.75 (10.6-12.70)	0.523
TLC in cells/μL	8075.0 (6759.0-9801.0)	7830.0 (6705.0-8800.0)	7846.0 (6745.0-9440.0)	0.094
Lymphocytes in cells/μL	27.4 (21.2-31.0)	26.9 (22.0-31.0)	27.0 (22.0-31.0)	0.421
Monocytes in cells/mm3	5.7 (3.4-7.9)	6.0 (4.0-7.0)	6.0 (4.0-7.30)	0.604
Neutrophils in cells/mm3	63.1 (58.2-69.6)	63.0 (59.0-67.0)	63.0 (58.92-67.77)	0.816
Eosinophils, %	3.0 (1.2-4.0)	3.5 (2.0-4.4)	3.0 (2.0-4.10)	0.023
Basophils in cells/μL	0.5 (0.3-1.0)	0.4 (0.1-1.0)	0.50 (0.20-1.0)	0.351
Bilirubin in mg/dL
Total	0.9 (0.6-1.2)	0.8 (0.6-1.1)	0.87 (0.64-1.12)	0.251
Direct	0.3 (0.2-0.5)	0.3 (0.2-0.5)	0.30 (0.20-0.52)	0.621
Indirect	0.6 (0.4-0.7)	0.4 (0.3-0.6)	0.50 (0.36-0.65)	0.015
ALP in IU/L	119.5 (80.5-163.2)	109.0 (76.2-136.2)	111.0 (78.0-146.50)	0.019
SGOT in U/L	34.0 (27.2-43.0)	28.0 (24.0-34.0)	31.0 (25.0-36.0)	0.001
SGPT in U/L	27.0 (21.0-36.5)	23.0 (21.0-30.5)	24.0 (21.0-34.0)	0.012
INR	1.1 (1.0-1.1)	1.1 (1.0-1.1)	1.12 (1.10-1.12)	0.158
Serum creatinine in mg/dL	0.8 (0.7-0.9)	0.8 (0.7-0.9)	0.80 (0.68-0.97)	0.459
BUN in mg/dL	12.3 (9.0-14.4)	12.3 (9.9-14.5)	12.30 (5.0-12.0)	0.479
GB wall thickness in mm	12.0 (9.2-15.1)	6.0 (4.0-8.0)	8.0 (5.0-12.0)	< 0.001

Data shown as median (interquartile range), unless otherwise specified. Qualitative data between benign and carcinoma groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test and quantitative data were compared with the χ² test. ALP: Alkaline phosphate; BUN: Blood urea nitrogen; INR: International normalized ratio; IQR: Interquartile range; SGOT: Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase; SGPT: Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase; TLC: Total leukocyte count; GB: Gallbladder; GBC: Gallbladder cancer.

Although, IQR indirect bilirubin was significantly higher in patients with GBC compared to patients with benign GBD (0.6 mg/dL vs 0.4 mg/dL; P = 0.015), and the median levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (P = 0.001) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (P = 0.012) were significantly higher in the GBC group than in the benign group, all values were within the normal range in both groups. GB wall thickness on USG was increased by twofold in patients from the GBC group (Table 1). The majority of patients (n = 71) had a stone size between 0.5 and 1 cm. In patients with benign GBD, the majority of patients had a stone size in the range of < 0.5-2.0 cm compared to the patients with GBC. However, the majority of patients with GBC had a stone size > 2 cm compared to the patients with benign GBD (Figure 1).

Figure 1  Stone size between patients with benign gallbladder disease and gall bladder cancer.

Association of tumor markers with benign GBD and GBC

Tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly elevated in patients with GBC (P < 0.001). CA 19-9 was elevated in 71.3%, CEA in 64.4%, and CA 242 in 86.3% of patients with GBC (Table 2).

Table 2 Association of tumor markers with benign gallbladder disease and gallbladder cancer.

All parameters	Benign, n = 120	Carcinoma, n = 80	P value
CA 19-9 in U/mL	3.1 (1.4-19.4)	112.9 (23.3-318.8)	< 0.001
CA 19-9, n (%)
Normal	108 (90.0)	23 (28.7)	< 0.001
Elevated	12 (10.0)	57 (71.3)
CA 125 in U/mL	8.6 (3.1-15.1)	24.5 (12.0-53.3)	< 0.001
CA 125, n (%)
Normal	112 (93.3)	49 (61.3)	< 0.001
Elevated	8 (6.7)	31 (38.8)
CEA in µg/L	2.3 (1.2-3.1)	3.1 (1.8-4.5)	< 0.003
CEA, n (%)
Normal	114 (94)	60 (75)	< 0.003
Elevated	6 (5.9)	20 (25)
CA 242 in U/mL	2.8 (1.5-9.8)	55.5 (32.7-96.5)	< 0.001
CA 242, n (%)
Normal	108 (90.0)	11 (13.7)	< 0.001
Elevated	12 (10.0)	69 (86.3)

Data shown as median (interquartile range). Qualitative data between benign and carcinoma groups were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test and quantitative data were compared with the χ² test. CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen.

Association between tumor markers and clinical characteristics

Serum levels of CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 242 were significantly associated with age (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant association of tumor markers with presence of gallstones and sex of the patient (Table 3).

Table 3 Association between tumor markers and clinical characteristics.

Characteristics	CA 19-9		P value	CA 125		P value	CEA		P value	CA 242		P value
	Normal, n = 131	Elevated, n = 69		Normal, n = 161	Elevated, n = 39		Normal, n = 181	Elevated, n = 19		Normal, n = 119	Elevated,n = 81
Age, yr	49.0 (39.0-59.0)	55.0 (45.0-63.5)	0.009	50.0 (39.0-59.0)	56.0 (50.0-69.0)	0.001	50.0 (40.0-59.5)	56.0 (45.0-65.0)	0.093	48.0 (34.0-56.0)	56.0 (47.5-64.5)	< 0.001
Sex
Male	46 (35.1)	22 (31.9)	0.754	51 (31.7)	17 (43.6)	0.112	62 (34.3)	6 (31.6)	> 0.05	41 (34.5)	27 (33.3)	0.881
Female	85 (64.9)	47 (68.1)		110 (68.3)	22 (56.4)		119 (65.7)	13 (68.4)		78 (65.5)	54 (66.7)
Gallstones
Absent	12 (9.2)	10 (14.5)	0.181	19 (11.8)	3 (7.7)	0.578	21 (11.6)	1 (5.3)	0.701	7 (5.9)	15 (18.5)	0.010
Present	119 (90.8)	59 (85.5)		142 (88.2)	36 (92.3)		160 (88.4)	18 (94.7)		112 (94.1)	66 (81.5)

Data shown as n (%). Test used: χ² test. CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen.

Sensitivity and specificity analyses of tumor markers

The sensitivity of CA 19-9 and CA 242 was comparatively higher than CEA and CA 125 in different stages of GBC (Table 4).

Table 4 Analyses of the sensitivity of tumor markers in different stages of gallbladder cancer.

Clinical stages	Patients, n = 80	CA 19-9	CEA	CA 125	CA 242
I	15 (18.6)	10 (66.7)	1 (6.7)	5 (33.3)	13 (86.7)
IIA	13 (16.3)	12 (92.3)	1 (7.7)	5 (38.5)	12 (92.3)
IIB	4 (5.0)	4 (100.0)	0	2 (50.0)	4 (100.0)
IIIA	4 (5.0)	4 (100.0)	0	2 (50.0)	4 (100.0)
IIIB	44 (55.0)	27 (61.3)	8 (18.1)	17 (38.6)	36 (81.8)

Data shown as n (%). CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen.

The sensitivity was 3.8% when all four markers exceeded the critical values. These results suggested that diagnosis of GBC based on combined detection of the tumor markers could increase the specificity, but not the sensitivity of diagnosis (Table 5). CA 242 had the highest sensitivity of 86.3%, and CA 125 had the highest specificity of 93.3% for the diagnosis of GBC (Table 6). Receiver operating characteristic curves are shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2 Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showing diagnostic performance of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (U/mL), carbohydrate antigen 125 (U/mL), carcinoembryonic antigen (µg/L), and carbohydrate antigen 242 (U/mL) in predicting gallbladder cancer vs benign gallbladder disease. ROC: Receiver operating characteristic curve.

Table 5 Analyses of different combinations of markers in gallbladder cancer diagnosis.

Group	n	1 marker	2 markers	3 markers	4 markers
Benign GB disease	120	29 (24.2)	6 (5.0)	1 (0.8)	0
GBC	80	14 (17.5)	27 (33.7)	25 (31.3)	3 (3.8)
Positive likelihood rate		0.5%	4.5%	25%	100%

GB: Gallbladder; GBC: Gallbladder cancer.

Table 6 Performance of markers for predicting gallbladder cancer.

Variable	Sensitivity, %	Specificity, %	PPV, %	NPV, %	AUC (95%CI); P value
CA 19-9 (cutoff: 39.21 by ROC)	71.3	90.0	82.6	82.4	0.849 (0.791-0.907); < 0.001
CA 125 (cutoff: 36.00 by ROC)	38.8	93.3	79.5	69.6	0.758 (0.686-0.831); < 0.001
CEA (cutoff: 10.36 by ROC)	12.5	92.5	52.6	61.3	0.623 (0.542-0.703); 0.003
CA 242 (cutoff: 15.10 by ROC)	86.3	90.0	85.2	90.8	0.925 (0.881-0.969); < 0.001

AUC: Area under the curve; CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; NPV: Negative predictive value; PPV: Positive predictive value; ROC: Receiver operating characteristic.

A combination of CA 19-9 and CA 242 had the highest sensitivity of 83.2%, and a combination of ≥ 3 markers had the highest specificity of 100.0% for the diagnosis of GBC (Table 7).

Table 7 Performance of combination of markers for predicting gallbladder cancer.

Variable	Sensitivity, %	Specificity, %	PPV, %	NPV, %
Combination of any 2 markers	63.5	95.0	84.6	85.7
Combination of markers CA 19-9 and CA 242, n = 26	83.2	93.3	96.2	83.5
Combination of ≥ 3 markers	35.0	100.0	100.0	69.8

Any two markers: CA 19 -9 and CA 242 (n = 26); CA 19-9 and CEA (n = 3); CA 19-9 and CA 125 (n = 2); CEA and CA 242 (n = 7); CA 125 and CA 242 (n = 1). CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; NPV: Negative predictive value; PPV: Positive predictive value.

Correlation between tumor markers and lymph node metastasis

Serum CEA, CA 125, CA 19-9, and CA 242 levels in GBC patients with and without lymph node metastasis (LNM) were compared. Serum CA 125, CA 19-9, CEA, and CA 242 levels were comparable between patients with LNM and patients without LNM (Table 8).

Table 8 Correlations between carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125, and carbohydrate antigen 242 expression and lymph node metastasis.

Marker level	No LNM, n = 36	LNM, n = 44	P value
CA 19-9 in U/mL	110.5 (54.2- 176.7)	221.8 (14.9-753.0)	< 0.05
CEA in µg/L	3.2 (1.4-4.0)	3.37 (1.9-6.2)	> 0.05
CA 125 in U/mL	23.0 (21.5-47.3)	33.0 (7.4-64.2)	> 0.05
CA 242 in U/mL	48.5 (36.1-84.7)	92.0 (25.8-112.0)	< 0.05

Data shown as median (interquartile range). Test: Independent sample t-test. CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; LNM: Lymph node metastasis.

Multivariate regression analyses

Multivariate survival analyses using the Cox proportional hazards model showed that LNM and CA 242 expression level were independent prognostic factors (Table 9).

Table 9 Cox proportional hazards model for multivariate regression analysis.

Prognostic factor	Parameter estimate	Wald χ2	P value	Hazard ratio	95% CI
CA 19-9	0	0.152	0.697	1	0.999-1.001
CEA	-0.137	1.415	0.234	0.872	0.696-1.093
CA 125	0.001	0.211	0.464	1.001	0.995-1.008
CA 242	0.017	10.422	0.001	1.017	1.007-1.027
LNM	-2.06	6.001	0.014	0.127	0.024-0.662
Age	-0.05	2.814	0.093	0.951	0.897-1.009
Sex	-0.264	0.098	0.755	0.768	0.146-4.027
BMI	0.038	0.478	0.489	1.038	0.933-1.155
GB wall thickness	-0.076	2.096	0.148	0.927	0.837-1.027
Stone size	-0.318	2.114	0.146	0.728	0.474-1.117

95%CI: 95% confidence interval; BMI: Body Mass Index; CA 19-9: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; CA 125: Carbohydrate antigen 125; CA 242: Carbohydrate antigen 242; CEA: Carcinoembryonic antigen; GB: Gallbladder; LNM: Lymph node metastasis.

Comparison of tumor markers before and after surgical management of GBC

The CA 19-9 marker showed a significant reduction from baseline at the 3- and 6-mo follow-up (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively). CA 125 marker levels were also significantly reduced at 3 mo (P = 0.012) and 6 mo (P = 0.011). The CEA marker showed a significant reduction at 3 mo (P = 0.042); however, reduction from baseline at the 6-mo follow-up was insignificant (P = 0.196). CA 242 showed a significant reduction, both at the 3- and 6-mo follow-up (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) (Figure 3).

Figure 3 Comparison of tumor marker levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 125, carcinoembryonic antigen, and carbohydrate antigen 242 before and after surgical management of gallbladder cancer. A: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9; B: Carbohydrate antigen 125; C: Carcinoembryonic antigen; D: Carbohydrate antigen 242.

Survival outcomes

The mean survival of patients between normal and elevated levels for CA 125, CA 19-9, and CEA markers were comparable. There was no significant difference in terms of survival in patients with different levels of tumor markers, suggesting no significant association of the elevated levels of any marker and survival (Figure 4). Overall, there were 6 cases of recurrence with a mean disease-free interval of 9.2 mo.

Figure 4 Survival of patients with gallbladder cancer according to elevated vs normal marker levels of serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (U/mL), serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (U/mL), serum carcinoembryonic antigen (µg/L), and serum carbohydrate antigen 242 (U/mL) levels. A: Serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (U/mL); B: Serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (U/mL); C: Serum carcinoembryonic antigen (µg/L); D: Serum carbohydrate antigen 242 (U/mL).

DISCUSSION

This study was conducted in patients with suspected GBC to assess different tumor markers separately and in combination, to determine their diagnostic accuracy and prognosis of GBC. The key findings indicated that the IQR age was 52.0 (41.0-60.0) years and 132 (66.0%) patients were women. Although median levels of SGOT (P = 0.001) and SGPT (P = 0.012) were significantly higher in the GBC group than in the benign GBD group, they were within the normal range in both groups. GB wall thickness was increased twofold in patients with GBC. Tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly elevated in patients with GBC (P < 0.001). Serum levels of CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 242 were significantly associated with age (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of CA 19-9 and CA 242 was comparatively higher than CEA and CA 125 in different stages of GBC. The sensitivity was 3.8% when all four markers exceeded the critical values. CA 242 had the highest sensitivity of 86.3%, and CA 125 had the highest specificity of 93.3% for the diagnosis of GBC. There was a significant reduction in tumor markers at 3 and 6 mo from baseline (P < 0.001).

A total of 200 patients were included in this study, of whom 80 patients had GBC and 120 patients had benign GBD. Tumor markers CEA, CA 19-9, CA 125 and CA 242 have been used for the diagnosis and prognosis of various types of cancer including liver, gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic[9,13]. In this study, the serum levels of tumor markers CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly higher in patients with GBC (P < 0.001) than in patients with benign GBD. This is in accordance with previous studies where all these tumor markers were evaluated as therapeutic and diagnostic markers[12-15].

In the present study, it was observed that CA 242 had the highest sensitivity of 86.3% and CA 125 had the highest specificity of 93.3% for the diagnosis of GBC. A recent study of 71 patients diagnosed with GBC showed that CA 19-9 had the highest sensitivity of 85% and CA 125 had the highest specificity of 81.8%[16]. A prospective study by Sachan et al[17] reported that CA 19-9 had better sensitivity and specificity (52% and 80%, respectively) than CEA (51% and 72%, respectively) for the prediction of tumor burden in patients with GBC. Another study by Wang et al[12] reported that CA 19-9 and CA 242 had the highest sensitivity and specificity of 71.7% and 98.7%, respectively. GBC can be detected using serum CA 19-9, which had moderate sensitivity and good specificity[18]. In a meta-analysis by Zhou[18], it was noted that GBC can be detected using serum CA 19-9, which had moderate sensitivity and good specificity. These findings suggest that the sensitivity and specificity of tumor markers were inconsistent when used individually for the diagnosis of GBC; however, better sensitivity was observed when the markers were used in combination[19-21]. In the current study, sensitivity was 3.8% when all four markers exceeded the critical values. This is in accordance with a previous study with a sensitivity of 8.9% and a diagnostic accuracy that was better when CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 242 were used in combination. These results suggest that the diagnosis of GBC based on combined detection of the tumor markers could increase the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis.

Serum levels of CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 242 were significantly associated with age (P < 0.05). However, there was no association of tumor markers with the presence of gallstones and sex of the patient. In accordance with this, a prospective exploratory study conducted at a tertiary care center in Lucknow, did not find any association of CA 242 with tumor stage, presence of jaundice, gallstones and sex of the patient[14].

The difference between mean survival with respect to normal vs elevated levels of tumor markers was not significant in this study. These findings may be explained by the inclusion criteria, as in the present study, only early and suspicious cases of GBC were included. In accordance with this, a previous study by Agarwal et al[14] explained that CA 19-9 and CA 242 are not recommended as prognostic markers. By contrast, Agarwal et al[16] reported the prognostic role of tumor markers in terms of overall survival rate.

The present study had a few limitations. It was a non-randomized observational study with a relatively small sample size and a short follow-up duration of only 6 mo. The study included only operable and suspicious cases of GBC to determine early indications of malignancy by assessing different tumor markers in resource-constrained countries. Further studies with a large number of patients with longer duration of follow-up are required to validate our results.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that serum levels of tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA and CA 242 were significantly associated with GBC. Significant reductions in tumor markers during follow-up show their importance as one of the criteria for assessment of treatment response. However, no significant association was observed between the presence of elevated levels of any marker and survival.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS

Research background

Tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA 125), CA 242, and CA 19-9 have been widely used for the diagnosis of various types of cancer. Many researchers have focused on gallbladder cancer (GBC) and CEA or CA125, but no research has been carried out on all four markers together, especially in India.

Research motivation

This study focuses on the assessment of tumor markers CA 19-9, CEA, CA 125, and CA 242 for the early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of GBC.

Research objectives

The present study included patients with suspected GBC to assess different tumor markers separately and in combination, to determine their diagnostic accuracy and prognosis of GBC.

Research methods

This observational study was conducted in patients of either sex aged ≥ 18 years, with suspected GBC (GB polyp, irregular thick GB wall, GB mass, porcelain GB) on the basis of radiological imaging. All cases after surgical intervention were divided and grouped into two groups, the GBC group and benign GB disease group, according to histopathological examination findings. The cases were followed up and clinical findings, radiological findings, and tumor markers were assessed.

Research results

The key findings indicated that the median (interquartile range) age was 52.0 (41.0-60.0) years and 132 (66.0%) patients were women. The median levels of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) (P = 0.001) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) (P = 0.012) were significantly higher in the GBC group than in the benign GBD group but were within the normal range in both groups. GB wall thickness was increased twofold in patients with GBC. Tumor markers including CA 19-9, CA 125, CEA, and CA 242 were significantly elevated in patients with GBC (P < 0.001). Serum levels of CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 242 were significantly associated with age (P < 0.05). The sensitivity of CA 19-9 and CA 242 was comparatively higher than CEA and CA 125 in different stages of GBC. The sensitivity was 3.8% when all four markers exceeded the critical values. CA 242 had the highest sensitivity of 86.3%, and CA 125 had the highest specificity of 93.3% for the diagnosis of GBC. There was a significant reduction in tumor markers at 3 and 6 mo from baseline (P < 0.001).

Research conclusions

All four markers were important but in this study, CA 242 followed by CA 19-9 was most sensitive for the detection of GBC while CA125 was most specific for the diagnosis of GBC; however, CA 242 and CA 19-9 in combination were more specific and sensitive.

Research perspectives

Currently, there is only one study from China that has reported the combined use of these tumor markers to increase the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity for GBC. This study was conducted to make an early diagnosis of GBC on the basis of tumor markers, which itself will lead to better survival outcomes.