Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) is a modified Lewis (a) blood group antigen that is commonly used as a tumor marker. An increase in CA 19-9 levels is often associated with certain cancers, particularly pancreatic and colorectal cancers, but it can also be elevated in various non-cancerous conditions.
The CA 19-9 test is primarily used to monitor the prognosis and track the effectiveness of therapy in patients with diagnosed malignancies. After treatment, CA 19-9 levels typically decrease, reflecting a positive response to therapy. However, an increase in CA 19-9 levels may indicate relapse, the presence of residual disease, or the development of metastasis. As such, CA 19-9 serves as an important tool in the monitoring and management of cancer, helping to assess disease progression or the need for adjustments in treatment.