Prognostic significance of TPA versus SCC-Ag, CEA and neopterin in carcinoma of the uterine cervix

Introduction: Prognostic significance of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), tissue polypeptide antigen (TPA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and neopterin in cervical cancer patients was compared.Materials and methods: Pretreatment concentrations were determined in 138 women.Results: Median age was 52 years, 85% squamous cell carcinomas, 15% adeno- or adenosquamous carcinomas were seen. In 36% Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d’Obstétrique (FIGO) stage I, 24% stage II, 32% stage III and 8% stage IV was diagnosed. TPA was elevated in 22%, SCC in 68%, CEA in 42% and neopterin in 29%. These patients showed significantly worse overall survival in univariate analysis (p < 0.001). TPA remained as independent prognostic factor in multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Elevation of TPA was associated with worse overall survival.