Evaluation of Tumor Markers Among Patients with Hepatitis C Infection

Abstract

Tumor markers are biomolecules found in blood, urine and tissue of individuals and, with particularly high concentration in most cancers, therefore, their concentration has diagnostic value. These markers may be used for screening, identification (type and stage), monitoring, and predicting prognosis. Increases in tumor markers are sometimes seen in patients with chronic liver disease without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: To determine the tumor markers, present among patients with Hepatitis C infection. Methods: From April 2021 to March 2022, serum samples from 700 HCV patients who presented to the Department of Pathology at the Pir Syed Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat Khairpur Mirs, were used in this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Using the ACCESS-2 system, serum samples were analyzed for the presence of the specified tumor markers. Results: There was a significant increase in CA125 (P = 0.03) and AFP levels (P = 0.03). CA19-9, CEA, and CA15-3 levels in the blood were unremarkable (P > 0.05). It is too early to say if the increase in CA125 or AFP will lead to eventual carcinoma based on this study, but it deserves further exploration using a longitudinal research methodology. Conclusion: CA125 and AF (P were the most common tumor markers found in HCV patients. Given the association of the aforementioned indicators with hepatic cancer, HCV patients with CA125 and AFP levels over normal should be considered high-risk.