Monitoring endometrial adenocarcinoma with a four tumor marker combination. CA 125, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, CA 19.9 and CA 15.3.

The combined value of four tumor markers, in the follow-up of endometrial adenocarcinoma, is analyzed. Cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), carbohydrate antigen 19.9 (CA 19.9) and carbohydrate antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) were used in 213 evaluations from 105 patients. Sensitivity as regards recurrence or progression of disease was 45% (CA 125), 9% (SCC), 51% (CA 19.9) and 21% (CA 15.3). Specificities as regards the 'no evidence of disease' ranged from 95% to 99%. Single tumor marker efficiency ranged from 90% for CA 125 to 84% for SCC (p = 0.08). With the two tumor marker combination sensitivity increased up to 77% achieved with CA 125-CA 19.9, but efficiency increased only slightly (92.0% for CA 125-SCC). In the best three tumor marker combination, a sensitivity of 85% was achieved (CA 125-CA 19.9-CA 15.3), and an efficiency of 92.2%. The simultaneous use of the four tumor markers did not improve assay results. The possibility of recurrence or progression of disease in some combinations was very low (4.6% when CA 125 and CA 19.9 negative, 3% when CA 125, CA 19.9 and CA 15.3 negative), a fact to be considered in order to avoid aggressive management in such cases. The tumor markers were of limited value for the prediction of recurrences. The suggestion of recurrence when the increase in tumor markers was the only finding was confirmed in only 7%, while confirmation was made in 100% when there was another pathological finding.