Tumour markers quantitation in pleural effusion

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to measure the concentrations of the tumour. markers Carcinoembryonic antigen [CEA], alpha1 acid glycoprotein [AGP] and B[2]- microglobulin [B2 - m] both in serum and pleural fluid of patients with pleural effusion to illucidate the aetiogenesis of this effusion. Serum and pleural fluid samples, collected from 15 patients with malignant effusion and 15 patients with non malignant effusion [due to liver cell failure, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis or post-pneumonic effusion] were subjected to quantitative determination of these markers. Serum, and pleural fluid values of CEA and B2-m were significantly higher in malignant cases when compared with the non malignant ones [serum CEA levels were 18. 0 +/- 5 .2 ng/ml mean +/- SEM versus 0.8 +/- 0. 3 ng/ml; P < 0.01 and pleural CEA concentrations were 16.4 +/- 5.3 ng/ml versus 2.3 +/- 1 .0 ng/mI; P < 0. 01 respectively Serum B2-m levels were 7. 5 +/- 1. 1 mg/L versus 2.3 +/- 0.3; P < 0. 05 while pleural fluid values were 2.8 +/- 0.4 mg/L versus 1 .5 +/- 0. 3 mg/L; P < 0.05 respectively]. Serum and pleural alpha[1] AGP levels showed no significant difference between malignant and non malignant conditions [Table 1]. In conclusion, there was significant association between malignancy and raised serum or pleural fluid values of both CEA and B[2]-m