Diagnostic test pepsinogen I and combination with tumor marker CEA in gastric cancer

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Human pepsinogens (HP) are considered promising serological biomarkers for the screening of atrophic gastritis (AG) and GC. HP are biochemically and immunochemically classified into two groups: pepsinogen I (PG I) and PG II. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a glycoprotein, which is present in normal mucosal cells but increased amounts are associated with adenocarcinoma, especially colorectal cancer. CEA in combination with other tumour markers can be used in pre-operative staging and thereby assist in the planning of the type of surgery required and future management options. The purpose of this study was to diagnose test PG I and combination with tumor marker CEA in 32 patients suspected with GC. There was a significant difference in levels of CEA between GC group with non-GC with a value p <0.001. PGI sensitivity was 70.58% and specificity 93.3%. The sensitivity of PGI and CEA combination of 94.1% and specificity 80%. The area of AUC obtained was 92.7% at 95% confidence interval (82.7-100%). This AUC value indicated that the value of diagnostic accuracy of the PGI and CEA combinations of 92.7%.