Tumor-markers elevated in CF??

Question

Hello,
Is there any statistical data that in CF so-called tumor-markers (CA125, C19-9) can be elevated as a consequence of the illness of CF?
Years ago, the C19-9 had been elevated, an MRI of the pancreas did not show any result; now the CA125 is slightly elevated, which, according to the gynecologist, could be a sign for endometriosis. However, is it not possible that the illness of CF could result in a slight elevation of the inflammation-, tumor-markers? Then I could save a laparoscopy.

Many thanks,

Answer

Hello,
in case of the tumor-markers CA125 and CA19-9 we have to deal with so-called mucine-associated antigenes. Mucines are proteins (glycoproteins) which form the strucuture-giving part of the mucus.
Dealing with the topic mentioned by you, I can cite two papers, which have been published 1992 (J Clin Lab Anal. 1992;6(3): 151-61.) and 2003 (Acta paediatrica 2003, vol. 92, no11, pp. 1267-1271).
In this investigations, CF patients with severe mutations showed significantly increased blood-levels of CA125. This elevation could also be detected with CA 19-9. At the same time one could see an indication for a worsening of lung function parameters and a higher probability of a colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
In summary this means, that it is very likely that the slight elevation of CA125 described by you is caused by the illness of CF and not by endometriosis. On the other hand it can not be ruled out that a CF patient can develop an endometriosis.
According to my opinion, first of all a detailed investigation with patients history should be performed by an experienced gynecologist, in order to probably avoid a laparoscopy.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. med. Wolfgang Gleiber

20.11.2008