CA19-9 is a tumor marker most commonly elevated in which condition?

CA19-9 is a tumor marker most commonly elevated in which condition?

• A. Pancreatic cancer
• B. Liver cancer
• C. Breast cancer
• D. Prostate cancer

Answer: (A)

CA19-9 is a marker most strongly associated with pancreatic cancer. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, levels are elevated in the majority of patients, making pancreatic cancer the condition where this marker is most frequently raised. It can also be raised in other biliary or liver conditions and in some other cancers, but none are as commonly associated with CA19-9 elevation as pancreatic cancer. Keep in mind that elevations don’t prove cancer and some individuals (Lewis antigen–negative) may not produce CA19-9 at all, limiting its use for screening.

CA19-9 is a marker most strongly associated with pancreatic cancer. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma, levels are elevated in the majority of patients, making pancreatic cancer the condition where this marker is most frequently raised. It can also be raised in other biliary or liver conditions and in some other cancers, but none are as commonly associated with CA19-9 elevation as pancreatic cancer. Keep in mind that elevations don’t prove cancer and some individuals (Lewis antigen–negative) may not produce CA19-9 at all, limiting its use for screening.