Abstract
In 149 cases of gastric cancer, 4 kinds of tumor markers, namely CEA, TPA, IAP and CA19-9 were simultaneously determined, followed up for changes, a nd examined before and after the operation. Recurrenceas noted in 10 of 99 cases of curative resection, 8 of which showed positivity for some these markers around the time of recurrence. It was suggested that follow-up by quadruple combination assay can contribute to the confirmation of recurrence. In particular, postoperative changes in preoperatively positive markers require much attention in view of their possible contribution to early confirmation of the recurrence. In terms of immunohistological stainability of CEA and CA19-9, the stromal type showed higher serum values than the other types, and some correlation between the modes of localization and serum value was suggested. In recurrent cases, CA19-9 staining-negative cases showed no increase in serum CA19-9, either before the operation or at the recurrence. These findings suggest that much attention should be paid to postoperative changes in staining-positive markers and a combination assay with some other marker is useful for early diagnosis of the recurrence in staining-negative cases.
