Clinical effectiveness of tumor markers in squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to examine and compare the value of the serum tumor markers CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx. Moreover, their possible clinical applications were studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA were measured in 79 patients with histologically-proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx before and after treatment and in 77 healthy volunteers. The association of the results with the clinicopathological characteristics was investigated. RESULTS The study showed that none of the markers revealed a significant sensitivity; TPA-M indicated a positive correlation with the grade of differentiation. CEA indicated a positive correlation only with distant metastasis. CONCLUSION Among the four markers, only TPA-M may play a role in monitoring the success of therapy and follow-up in patients with SCC of the larynx.