Cancer Antigen 125 Serum Level in Head and Neck Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

Abstract

Background: Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of the Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (LNH). Until now, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is the only tumor marker to assess DLBCL progression; however, increased LDH is a relatively non-specific biomarker. Cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) serum level have been used as a tumor marker in ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the possible role of CA-125 serum level as a tumor marker in head and neck DLBCL. Methods: This was an observational descriptive study among consecutively sampled DLBCL patients. CA-125 serum level examination was carried out (ADVIA Centaur CA-125II) and described along with the clinical characteristics of DLBCL patients. Results: DLBCL was mostly observed in males (54.05%), most often in the 55-65 year age group (51.3%), with stage 1 DLBCL was the most prevalent (71.9%). The mean CA-125 serum level was 22.9 U/ml and increased in patients with advanced DLBCL. Conclusions: Increased CA-125 serum level in DLBCL, especially at advanced stages, suggests that CA-125 serum level may be of benefit as a tumor marker in the head and neck DLBCL. Further study is in need to explore the role of CA-125.