Tumor markers in dialysis-dependent renal failure. A comparison of the mucin-like carcinoma antigen, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 19-9 and CEA antigens

The concentration of tumor markers in human sera is affected not only by malignant, but also by many benign diseases. In this regard, only few reports exist about renal insufficiency, whereas influences of different liver diseases have frequently been described. We determined the serum levels of the antigens MCA, CA 15-3, CA 125, CA 19-9, and CEA in 50 patients suffering from renal insufficiency in chronic hemodialysis, but without indication of malignant diseases. We found no difference between the serum concentrations of MCA and CA 125 as compared to the healthy control group, whereas the other antigens were more often elevated in the group of patients (CEA, 24% of patients greater than 5 ng/ml; CA 15-3, 20% of patients greater than 30 U/ml; CA 19-9, 14% of patients greater than 40 U/ml). We did not find any correlation between pathological values of markers and diseases leading to renal failure. As the increase of tumor markers could not be explained by concomitant diseases, it seems likely that the terminal renal insufficiency plays a causal role.