Serum CEA, CA125, CA19-9, and CA724 levels for the diagnosis and staging of cholangiocarcinoma.

Background: Aims serum markers provide a non-invasive, cheap and effective diagnostic and prognostic tool for cholangiocarcinoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum levels of CEA, CA125, CA19-9 and CA724 for the diagnosis and staging of cholangiocarcinoma. Materials and methods: Serum levels of CA125, CA19-9, CA724 and CEA were measured preoperatively, postoperatively and during follow-up in 153 cases of cholangiocarcinoma and 65 cases of benign biliary disease. Results: Serum levels of these tumor markers elevated in cholangiocarcinoma, and CA19-9 was better than CEA, CA125, CA724 or the combination to diagnose cholangiocarcinoma with the cut off value of 73.25 U/ml (sensitivity 69.30%; specificity 87.7%). Serum CA125 and CA19-9 levels were helpful to assess advanced TNM stage. Conclusion: Serum CA19-9 level is superior to CEA, CA125 or CA724 levels or the combination for the diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Preoperative serum levels of CA19-9 could be used to predict advanced TNM stage and evaluate the resectability of cholangiocarcinoma.