Cyfra 21-1 and SCC Ag, Useful Oncomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer

The study evaluates the clinical relevance of the serum biomarkers Cyfra 21-1 and SCC Ag in patients diagnosed with head and neck carcinoma (HNC). Unfortunately, no reliable circulating blood marker for HNC has yet been accepted for application in clinical practice. We retrospectively analyzed serum concentrations of SCC Ag and Cyfra 21-1 in 326 patients, with measurements obtained pre-treatment, post-treatment, during follow-up, and at the time of recurrence. We confirmed a significant association between markers and tumour progression. The pre-treatment concentration dropped significantly after therapy in patients who achieved remission. We proposed SCC Ag and Cyfra 21-1 cut-off values of 2.0 ng/mL and 3.3 ng/mL for the selection of patients with residual disease. In cases of tumour recurrence, previously low biomarker levels exhibited a rapid and statistically significant elevation. Pre-treatment serum levels of Cyfra 21-1, as well as post-treatment, and follow-up levels of both oncomarkers in patients in remission, were identified as independent predictors of tumour-specific death. Cyfra 21-1 and SCC Ag may serve as clinically valuable tumour markers in HNC, demonstrating significant prognostic relevance. Persistently elevated levels may indicate residual disease, while a marked increase in serial measurements is suggestive of tumour recurrence.