Serum c-erbB-2 oncoprotein in the diagnosis of gastric cancer in comparison with CA 19-9, CEA, TPA, CA 125 and AFP.

BACKGROUND. Although many tumor markers can detect gastric cancer, they are still far from perfect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of a new tumor marker, serum c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS. We tested this tumor marker in 35 patients of gastric cancer, 13 patients of hepatoma, 13 patients of colon cancer, 8 patients of lung cancer, and 22 patients without malignancy (4 of acute pancreatitis, 10 of benign gastric ulcer and 8 normal subjects) between July and December 1991. A newly developed enzyme immunoassay kit was used to assay serum c-erbB-2 oncoprotein. RESULTS. Abnormal level of c-erbB-2 oncoprotein was found in 11/32 (34.4%) of gastric cancer, 4/13 (30.8%) of hepatoma, 2/8 (25%) of lung cancer, 3/13 (23.1%) of colon cancer, 0/3 (0%) of gastric lymphoma, and 4 of non-malignant conditions (18.2%). Six tumor markers were assessed at the same time in 32 patients of gastric cancer. The abnormal level for CA 19-9 was found in 13/32 patients (40.6%); for TPA: 9/32 (28.1%); for c-erbB-2 oncoprotein: 11/32 (34.4%); for CEA: 8/32 (25%); for CA 125: 2/32 (6.3%); and for AFP: 1/32 (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS. C-erbB-2 oncoprotein is a new tumor marker. Practical application needs further mass survey.