Role of tumor markers in the follow-up of pharyngeal cancer

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the squamous cell carcinoma antigen [SCCA] and tissue polypeptide antigen [FPA] in pharyngeal carcinoma, the serum concentration in 15 patients [clinically, radiologically, endoscopically and histopathologically diagnosed] with 5 apparently healthy controls were studied. The results of pretreatment pharyngeal carcinoma patients were compared to both controls and 1, 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Also, pretreatment results were correlated to the primary tumor, lymph node, clinical stages and histologic grades. SCCA was sensitive in 50% of patients, while TPA was sensitive in 63.3%. Combined determination of the 2 markers increased the sensitivity to 76.6%. Thus, the 2 markers have good monitoring value in the follow up of patients with pharyngeal carcinoma, as well as can extend and expand the diagnostic possibilities for therapy monitoring and early detection of recurrence