Background: Serologic tumor markers are actually a valuable tool for diagnosis, management and follow up in some cancer types. The concentrations of Cyfra 21.1, SCC and TPS has been analysed in several groups of head and neck tumors, but exclusively in larynx there are no studies concerning this subject.
Aims: The purpose of the present study was to assess the expression of serum fragments of cytokeratins (CK's) 18/19, and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) in a same group of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of larynx, and correlate the results with tumor localisation, T, stage, histology, presence of regional metastasis, and smoking habits.
Methods: Forty six patients treated at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Porto Center of the Portuguese Institute of Oncology were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were obtained before treatment, and determinations effectuated using standard commercial available kits.
Results: Although serum concentrations of Cyfra 21.1, TPS and SCC were not significantly elevated in patients with laryngeal cancer, more expressive levels namely for TPS were observed in advanced supraglotic and metastasis tumors independent of the differentiation degree.