CA19-9 as a prognostic factor in inoperable pancreatic cancer: the implication for clinical trials

doi:doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602760

British Journal of Cancer (2005) 93, 740–743. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6602760 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 20 September 2005

CA19-9 as a prognostic factor in inoperable pancreatic cancer: the implication for clinical trials

N R Maisey¹, A R Norman¹, A Hill¹, A Massey¹, J Oates¹ and D Cunningham¹

¹Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK

Correspondence: Professor D Cunningham, E-mail: ProfDavid.Cunningham@rmh.nhs.uk

Received 2 March 2005; Revised 1 August 2005; Accepted 2 August 2005; Published online 20 September 2005.

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Abstract

In a multivariate analysis of 154 patients receiving chemotherapy, baseline CA19-9 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) (HR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.5, P=0.0004). The 1-year OS was 19 and 46%, respectively, for patients with a baseline CA19-9 above or below the median value. A fall of 20% in CA19-9 level from baseline was an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.4, P=0.019).