Detection of Classic Serum Tumor Markers (CSTMs) Group Benefits to Differential Diagnosis and Disease Assessment of UTUC

Abstract Background: To explore the potential relationship of changes in classic serum tumor markers (CSTM) with differential diagnosis and disease assessment of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Methods: 60 UTUC (56 operated), 44 RCCC and 36 NTHN, were included into this retrospective analysis. The initial classic serum tumor markers (CSTMs), including CA242, CA199, CA125, CEA, AFP, SCC and CA724, were compared among the three groups. The preoperative, 1 month postoperative and 1 year postoperative/PD parameters (value and abnormal rate) of CSTMs were compared in UTUC group. A recommend test strategy was given and rechecked. The pathological manifestations of tumoral tissues and paracancerous tissues were analyzed. Results: The value of CA242, CA199 and CEA were higher in UTUC than in RCCC. The value of CEA was higher in UTUC than in NTHN. The value of CA199 and CEA were higher in UTUC than in RCCC+NTHN. The AR of CA199, CEA, SCC and CA724 were higher in UTUC than in RCCC. The AR of CEA and CA724 were higher in UTUC than in NTHN. The AR of CA199, CEA, SCC and CA724 were higher in UTUC than in RCCC+NTHN. The preoperative value of CA242 and CA199 were higher than 1 month postoperative ones in UTUC. The 1 year postop/PD value of CA242 and AFP were higher than 1 month postoperative ones in UTUC. For postop PD patients, the value during PD of CA242, CA199 and AFP were higher than 1 month postop ones. The preoperative AR of CA199 and CEA were higher than 1 month postoperative ones in UTUC. The recommended test strategy was given: CA242+CA199+CEA+AFP+SCC+CA724, and was rechecked. The P values were almost the lowest and the positive results covered all the comparisons. In 56 operated cases, the NAC in CSTMs by the recommended test strategy was statistically related with the tumor load. It appeared positive labelling by Ab of CA199, CA125, CEA, AFP and CA724 in UTUC tissues, while negative in paracancerous tissues. Conclusions: CSTMs may help to make differential diagnosis and disease assessment of UTUC. Group test (CA242+CA199+CEA+AFP+SCC+CA724) was recommended and more valuable. Trial registration: Not applicable