Expression of Serum DCLK1 in Gastric Cancer Patients and Its Relationship with CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4

Objective: To investigate the expression of Doublecortin-like kinase-1 (DCLK1) in the serum of gastric cancer patients and its relationship with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA72-4). Methods: Fifty patients diagnosed with gastric cancer at the hospital from January to December 2021 were selected as the gastric cancer group, and 50 patients diagnosed with chronic atrophic gastritis during the same period were selected as the control group. The serum concentrations of DCLK1, CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 were measured in both groups. Cut-off values and AUC (Area Under the Curve) were determined based on the ROC curve, and the expression of DCLK1 and its relationship with CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 were analyzed. Results: The average concentrations of DCLK1, CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 in the serum of gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CA72-4 had the highest sensitivity (62%), CEA had the highest specificity (98%), and DCLK1 had the largest AUC (0.709). The combined diagnosis of gastric cancer using DCLK1, CEA, and CA19-9 resulted in the largest AUC (0.826), with a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 76%. Conclusion: The expression of DCLK1, CEA, CA19-9, and CA72-4 in the serum of gastric cancer patients is significantly higher than that in the control group. The combined detection of DCLK1, CEA, and CA19-9 offers better sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.