CA 19-9 ELISA

CA19-9 represents the most important tumour marker
of the mucin type glycoproteins group, that are
associated to gastrointestinal cancer pathology.
The immunohistologic distribution of CA19-9 in
tissues is consistent with the quantitative
determination of higher CA19-9 concentrations in
cancer than in normal or inflamed tissues. Recent
reports indicate that the serum CA19-9 level is
frequently elevated in the serum of subjects with
various gastrointestinal malignancies, such as
pancreatic, colorectal, gastric and hepatic
carcinomas. Together with CEA, elevated CA19-9 is
suggestive of gall bladder neoplasm in the setting of
inflammatory gall bladder disease. This tumour- associated antigen may also be elevated in some
non-malignant conditions.
It has been shown that a persistent elevation in serum
CA19-9 value following treatment may be indicative of
occult metastatic and/or residual disease. Research
studies demonstrate that serum CA19-9 values may
have utility in monitoring subjects with the above- mentioned diagnosed malignancies.
A persistently rising serum CA19-9 value may be
associated with progressive malignant disease and
poor therapeutic response. A declining CA19-9 value
may be indicative of a favourable prognosis and good
response to treatment.