Aim: Using CA 19-9 and CEA (elevated >2times of normal) as predictors in determining operability and survival in pancreatic tumors.
Methods: Levels of CA 19-9 and CEA were measured (pre and post operatively) in 49 patients of pancreatic malignancy. CECT was performed for diagnosis and staging. An experienced surgeon determined the operability. The levels of tumor markers were correlated with the operability and the survival based on CECT and intra-operative findings.
Results: 16/24 (67%) patients with CA 19-9 levels (<2times) and 19/24 (79%) patients with CEA levels (<2times) were found to be resectable. 22/25 (88%) patients having elevated CA 19-9 levels (p=0.0002-t) and 17/25(70%) patients having elevated CEA levels (p =0.003) were found to be non-resectable. Of the 27 patients, found resectable on CECT, 5 were non-resectable intra-operatively. All of these had elevated levels of CA 19-9 and 4/5 (80%) had elevated levels of CEA. Only 5/21 (23%) non-resectable patients, with elevated levels of CA 19-9 reported at 1 year follow up. None of the non-resectable patients with CA 19-9 levels >1000U/ml reported at 6 month follow-up. None of the resectable patients pre-operatively showed evidence of recurrence. All achieved normal values post surgery.
Conclusion: Elevated levels of CA 19-9 and CEA (>2 times) predict increased chances of inoperability and poor survival in pancreatic tumors. Levels >3times had increased risk of inoperability even in patients deemed resectable on CT-Scan. Diagnostic laparoscopy would be beneficial in these patients. Levels of CA 19-9 (>1000U/ml) indicate a dismal survival in non-resectable group of patients.