Clinical role of serum tumor markers SCC, NSE, CA 125, CA 19-9, and CYFRA 21-1 in patients with lung cancer

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of tumor markers in discriminating between lung cancer and benign chest diseases (BCDs). Methods: There were 322 patients enrolled in this investigation including 180 cases of lung cancer and 142 cases of BCD. Serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE), cancer antigen 125, cancer antigen 19-9, squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen, and cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA 21-1) were compared between different populations, cancer stages, and before and after treatment. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic markers. Results: Both NSE and CYFRA 21-1 were significantly associated with lung cancer. The CYFRA 21-1 showed the best performance, as well as its combinations, for lung cancer diagnosis. It also showed significant change 6 months after radical surgery in lung cancer patients. Conclusion: The marker CYFRA 21-1 could be developed as an adjuvant marker for the early diagnosis of lung cancer and as a prognostic marker for lung cancer treatment.