| [ Summary ] |
Tumor markers are widely used in the diagnosis of malignancies. We investigated 8 tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9, α-FP, PIVKA-II, TPA, IAP, PSA, and Pro-GRP) in 52 maintenance dialysis patients who had no malignancies. Mean concentrations of 3 markers (TPA, IAP, and Pro-GRP) exceeded normal values. Compared to patients without dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), mean concentrations of TPA were higher in patients with DRA. In one female case, serum concentrations of CEA and α-FP increased with the administration of erythropoietin. It is suggested that the reduction rate for Pro-GRP was affected by the modality of blood purification. Several factors affect the concentration of tumor markers in maintenance dialysis patients, hence, tumor markers should be used carefully. Investigations into the critical ranges of tumor markers in dialysis patients will be needed. |