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

Abstract 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.