Definition

CA72-4 (cancer antigen 72-4, carbohydrate antigen 72-4, TAG-72, Tumor-Associated Glycoprotein 72) is a commonly used indicator for tumor examination, called tumor marker. CA72_4 was identified as a 1 MDa mucine-like Glycoprotein complex termed TAG-72 (tumor associated antigen 72). The molecular weight of the TAG-72 protein is 48 kD. Secreted by glandular epithelial cells in the cell layer on the surface of the mucosa of the human cavity such as human digestion, respiratory, urinary, reproductive, breast, etc., when the glandular epithelial cells proliferate or become cancerous, it may be elevated or significantly increased, and glycoproteins can be recognized by two special tumor antibodies B72.3 and CC49, so it is called carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4). CA72-4 is one of the best tumor markers for gastric cancer, and the combination test with CA19-9 and CEA can monitor more than 70% of gastric cancer. Combined with CA125 as a marker for the diagnosis of primary and recurrent ovarian tumors, with 100% specificity. There is also a certain detection rate for other gastrointestinal cancers, breast cancers, and lung cancers. It is expressed not only in tumor tissues, but also in normal tissues such as the endometrium during the secretory period, the transitional mucosa of the colon, and fetal tissues. It is an important molecular structure that constitutes the components of the tumor cytoskeleton, and its molecular structure contains phosphorylated amino acid sequences. When tumor cells proliferate abnormally, they can be released into the blood circulation through exocrine means.

Function

CA 72-4 is the best laboratory marker for gastric cancer. Blood CA72-4 level is used to monitor the progression of gastric cancer, evaluate the response to treatment and measure the aggressiveness of surgery. It is one of the best tumor markers for the diagnosis of gastric cancer. It has a high specificity for gastric cancer. If it is combined with CA19-9 and CEA, it can monitor more than 70% of gastric cancer.

The positive rate of CA72-4 in gastric cancer was 65 ~ 70%. The level of CA72-4 was significantly correlated with the stage of gastric cancer. CA72-4 was also positive in colorectal/rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

CA72-4 can also be used as a follow-up index after treatment and a judgment of recurrence and prognosis. The level of CA72-4 can quickly decrease to normal after surgery. In 70% of recurrent cases, the concentration of CA72-4 first increased. CA72-4 is highly specific in the differential diagnosis of benign lesions.

Gastric Cancer and Other Gastrointestinal Tumors

The high level of CA72-4 is mainly found in gastrointestinal tumors, such as stomach, colorectum, pancreas and bile duct, and also in tumors of other parts of the body, such as ovarian tumors and non-small cell lung cancer. Because CA72-4 is associated with many tumors, combined detection is recommended.

Benign Disease

Such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, cholecystitis, colitis, gastrointestinal dysfunction and other common gastrointestinal diseases, gout, diabetes, hepatitis, pancreatitis, liver cirrhosis, gynecological diseases (irregular menstruation, ovarian cysts, breast nodules) can also cause CA72-4 elevation.

Fig .1 CA72-4 Test 

Clinical Application

For Cancer Screening

Because CA72-4 is almost not expressed in non-epithelial malignant tumors and benign tissues, and exists in a variety of malignant tumors, especially adenocarcinoma tissues, it is often used for the diagnosis of malignant tumors and the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant diseases. Especially in gastric cancer, colon cancer, some cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Follow-up and Prognostic Evaluation of Malignant Tumors

Studies have shown the relationship between CA19-9 and CA72-4 and gastric cancer recurrence. It was found that the sensitivity of CA72-4 in predicting postoperative recurrence was only 2.8% in early gastric cancer patients, but it was up to 51.3% in advanced gastric cancer patients. Multivariate analysis showed that age > Age 60 years, tumor stage Ⅲ and postoperative CA72-4 positive are independent predictors of recurrence in advanced gastric cancer.

Condition Monitoring and Treatment

Elevated CA72-4 was associated with depth of tumor invasion, lymph node involvement, peritoneal metastasis, liver metastasis, distant metastasis of other organs and tumor stage. Therefore, the follow-up of CA72-4 level can help to monitor the disease to a certain extent, and also has reference value for the treatment of tumor.

Alpha Lifetech Inc. is dedicated to developing CA72-4 diagnostic regents. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is a reputable supplier focusing on research, manufacture and sales of In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) regents. All the IVD regents offered by Alpha Lifetech Inc. have undergone strict QC validation and are certified by the COA (certificate of analysis). Meanwhile, we can provide customized services according to customers' requirements. Alpha Lifetech Inc. is committed to supplying high-quality, high-sensitivity antigen and antibody products for scientific research and industrial customers. In addition to regular small packages, Alpha Lifetech Inc.'s large-scale fermentation platform also allows us to provide raw material-grade IVD regents for the majority of industrial clients.

Please feel free to call our sales manager for technical information and a quotation!