Cancer Diagnostic Tool Derived from Adult Kenyan Population

Stanley K Waithaka,Daniel M Muturi,Wilfred K Gatua,Bernard M Chiuri,Leonard G Njagi,Eliud N Njagi,Joseph N Ngeranwa

doi:10.19026/ajms.6.5171

Abstract

To establish the reference ranges of tumour makers for adult Kenyan population. A prospective study carried out in clinical chemistry laboratory of Kenyatta National Hospital involving 613 healthy individuals between 18-61 years. Parametric methods were used to constructed reference ranges by estimating 2.5 and 97.5% of distribution as lower and upper reference limits. Results for 596 voluntarily study subjects comprising of 360 male and 236 females were used for the establishment of reference ranges of: CA125, CA15-3, CA 19-9 and CEA. Tumour makers reference ranges established were as follows: CA125 (0-23) U/L, CA15-3 (0-19) U/L, CA 19-9 (0-16) U/L and CEA (0-4) U/L. TPSA was the only male oriented tumour maker studied. Results for 360 adult males were used for the establishment of TPSA whose established reference range was age group specific. Age group specific TPSA reference ranges established were as follows: Age group 18-28 year (0.1-1.4) ng/mL, 29-39 years (0.1-2.6) ng/mL, 40-50 years (1.1-3.5) ng/mL and 51-61 years (1.1-6.3) ng/mL. Common and sex-specific reference ranges for adult Kenyan population has been established. These reference ranges are different from those reported in literature, therefore each clinical chemistry laboratory should establish its own.

Highlights

Cancer is a pathological disorder in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth, invasion that intrudes upon and destroys adjacent tissues and sometimes metastasis, via lymph or blood
This study established reference ranges for Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125), Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), CA 19-9, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and Total Prostatic Specific Antigen (TPSA)
In the diagnosis and management of various cancer related pathological disorders, upper reference range limit of specific tumour marker is a major tool for interpretation

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a pathological disorder in which a group of cells display uncontrolled growth, invasion that intrudes upon and destroys adjacent tissues and sometimes metastasis, via lymph or blood. These three distinct properties of cancers differentiate them from benign tumors, which do not invade or metastasize (Anand et al, 2008). Cancer affects people of all ages but a few types are more common in children. Cancer is a leading cause of death. In 2007 cancer caused about 13% of all human deaths worldwide (7.9 million) and the number of cases is rising as more people live to old age (WHO, 2011)

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion