Background: The aim of this study was to examine and compare the value of the serum tumor markers CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx. Moreover, their possible clinical applications were studied.
Materials and methods: The serum levels of CYFRA 21-1, TPA-M, SCCA and CEA were measured in 79 patients with histologically-proven squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the larynx before and after treatment and in 77 healthy volunteers. The association of the results with the clinicopathological characteristics was investigated.
Results: The study showed that none of the markers revealed a significant sensitivity; TPA-M indicated a positive correlation with the grade of differentiation. CEA indicated a positive correlation only with distant metastasis.
Conclusion: Among the four markers, only TPA-M may play a role in monitoring the success of therapy and follow-up in patients with SCC of the larynx.