CA-19-9 | Pancreatic Cancer Marker

CA 19-9 is a tumor marker most commonly used as an auxiliary diagnostic and monitoring indicator for patients with pancreatic cancer. The concentration of this marker increases in many cases of gastrointestinal tumors, but it is not specific only to pancreatic cancer, so it should always be evaluated together with clinical symptoms and imaging studies.

Increased levels of CA 19-9 can be detected not only in pancreatic carcinoma but also in colorectal, gastric, liver (hepatocellular), or bile duct (cholangiocellular) carcinoma. In some cases, CA 19-9 levels may be slightly elevated in benign conditions such as liver cirrhosis, pancreatitis, or bile duct obstruction.

Principle of the study: The concentration of CA 19-9 is determined by the immunochemiluminescent method from venous blood. Results are presented in U/ml units. To evaluate the course of the disease or the effectiveness of treatment, the test is repeated regularly.

Recommendations:

• Recommended for patients diagnosed or suspected of having pancreatic cancer.
• Useful for assessing treatment effectiveness, monitoring disease progression, or potential recurrence.
• Prescribed for suspected tumors in the gastrointestinal tract (in the stomach, intestines, liver, or bile duct area).
• Performed together with other tests (e.g., imaging, biopsy), as the test is not sufficiently specific for diagnosis.
• It is recommended to fast for at least 12 hours before the test.