PURPOSE: This study evaluated use of a combination assay of tumor markers in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum levels of four tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA], immunosuppressive acidic protein [IAP], and cytokeratin 19 fragment [Cyfra]) were simultaneously measured in 42 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (O-SCC) and in 12 patients with oral benign diseases. RESULTS: The positive rates were 31.0% for CEA, 38.1% for SCCA, 52.4% for IAP, and 38.1% for Cyfra in patients with O-SCC. These rates were significantly different (P < .01) from those of control patients with oral benign diseases. The sensitivity (81.0%) and accuracy (77.8%) of the combination assay uses higher than that obtained with individual markers. CONCLUSION: A combination assay with CEA, SCCA, IAP, and Cyfra may be useful for the screening of patients with suspected oral squamous cell carcinoma.
PURPOSE: This study evaluated use of a combination assay of tumor markers in the diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum levels of four tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA], immunosuppressive acidic protein [IAP], and cytokeratin 19 fragment [Cyfra]) were simultaneously measured in 42 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (O-SCC) and in 12 patients with oral benign diseases. RESULTS: The positive rates were 31.0% for CEA, 38.1% for SCCA, 52.4% for IAP, and 38.1% for Cyfra in patients with O-SCC. These rates were significantly different (P < .01) from those of control patients with oral benign diseases. The sensitivity (81.0%) and accuracy (77.8%) of the combination assay uses higher than that obtained with individual markers. CONCLUSION: A combination assay with CEA, SCCA, IAP, and Cyfra may be useful for the screening of patients with suspected oral squamous cell carcinoma.