Significance of serum tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen, CA 19-9, CA 125, and CA 15-3 in pre-orthotopic liver transplantation evaluation.

Tumor markers are elevated in a variety of nonneoplastic clinical situations, including liver diseases. Their sensitivity and specificity are lower for tumor screening in these cases. In this study, we investigated the frequency and significance of elevated tumor markers in the pre-orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) evaluation among patients with end-stage liver disease who did not develop tumors after a long follow-up post-OLT. We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical and biological parameters of 100 OLT candidates comparing data for CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels. CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CEA levels were elevated in 59%, 53%, 29%, and 28% of cases, respectively. CA 125, CA 15-3, and CEA were associated with disease severity (Child-Pugh classification). CA 125 was also elevated among patients with ascites, esophageal varices, or alcohol-related cirrhosis. Elevated CA 19-9 levels were associated with increased CA 15-3 and CEA levels. CA 15-3 levels were also increased among patients with elevated alkaline phosphatase, while elevated CEA was related to ascites, bilirubin, and prothrombin time (PT) levels, as well as alcohol-related cirrhosis. There was no association between hepatocellular carcinoma and tumor markers. In conclusion, CA 125, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CEA were frequently elevated among end-stage liver disease patients. These elevations were not associated with tumor diseases in this population.