CA 72-4 (synonym: cancer antigen 72-4) is a so-called tumor marker. Tumor markers are substances produced naturally in the body by tumors and are detectable in the blood. They can provide an indication of a malignant (malignant) neoplasm and serve as a follow-up test in the context of cancer aftercare.
The procedure
Material needed
- Blood serum
Preparation of the patient
- Not necessary
Disruptive factors
- None known
Normal value
| Normal value | <4.6 U/ml |
Indications
- Suspected gastric carcinoma (initial marker).
- Suspected ovarian carcinoma (ovarian cancer).
- Progress and therapy control in the above tumors.
Interpretation
Interpretation of increased values
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct carcinoma; detectable in 35-50% of cases).
- Colon carcinoma (colon cancer)
- Gastric carcinoma (stomach cancer; detectable in up to 70% of cases).
- Mammary carcinoma (breast cancer)
- Esophageal cancer (esophageal cancer; detectable in 5-20% of cases).
- Ovarian cancer (ovarian cancer; detectable in up to 80% of cases).
- Pancreatic carcinoma (pancreatic cancer; detectable in 15-35% of cases).
Interpretation of decreased values
- No diagnostic significance
Further notes
- CA 72-4 elevations occur in a number of benign (benign) conditions.
- If ovarian cancer is suspected, TPA (tissue polypeptide antigen) should also always be determined.
