Retrospective cohort study of associations of serum tumor markers with outcomes in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma

Serum tumor markers CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 have been useful in the management of gastrointestinal and gynecological cancers. There is limited information regarding their utility in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma. A retrospective cohort study at MD Anderson Cancer Center (Houston, TX) assessed the association of CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 with outcomes in patients with appendiceal adenocarcinoma. In this cohort study of 1338 patients, elevation of CEA, CA19-9, or CA125 was associated with significantly worse 5-year survival (elevated versus normal 81% versus 95%, 84% versus 92%, and 69% versus 93%, respectively). Moreover, quantitative evaluation of tumor markers was associated with outcomes. The authors conclude that elevated levels of CEA, CA19-9, and CA125 are associated with overall survival in appendiceal adenocarcinoma, highlighting the importance of including all 3 biomarkers in the initial workup of patients with this disease.