An initial appraisal of the value of serum carbohydrate antigenic determinant (CA 19-9) levels in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Serum CA 19-9 levels have been determined in 20 patients with pancreatic cancer, 18 patients with primary hepatocellular cancer, 15 patients with metastatic liver disease and 10 patients with colorectal cancer. Market elevations 3 times the upper limit of normal were found in all 20 patients with pancreatic cancer, 10 out of 15 with metastatic liver disease and 7 out of 18 with hepatoma. As serum AFP and CEA levels are normal in those with pancreatic cancer, the serum CA 19-9 level provides a sensitive and specific test for this malignancy.