Evaluation of CA125, thymidine kinase and haptoglobin as tumor markers in malignant lymphoma

ABSTRACT

This study included thirty-six patients with malignant lymphoma comprised of nineteen with non-Hodgkin's, eighteen with Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as nine patients with benign lymphadenopathy together with ten completely healthy subjects who were age matched to patients. The levels of the three markers were increased significantly in malignant lymphomas compared with healthy controls. The increase was presented in both HL and NHL. The levels of CA-125 and TK were significantly higher in malignant lymphoma compared with benign cause of lymphadenopathy. The sensitivity of CA-125, TK and haptoglobin for differentiating malignant from benign conditions was 81%, 94% and 89%, respectively. The specificity was 89%, 44% and 44%, respectively. The levels of CA- 125 reflected the tumor burden to a greater degree than TK and haptoglobin as clarified by higher levels with advancement of stage of disease, development of extranodal manifestations, hepatic or splenic involvement and greater size of lymph nodes