Tumor Markers in Thyroid Carcinoma With Pulmonary Metastases After Thyroidectomy

Background The present study investigated several tumor markers in patients receiving multiple radioiodine treatments after thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods Serological tests for tumor markers (Tg, CFEA, CA125, CA19-9, CA72-4, and Cyfra 21-1) were performed in 57 patients with pulmonary metastases (subjects) and 76 patients without distant metastases (controls). Results Serum thyroglobulin was much higher in the subjects than in the controls (median, 595.0 versus 5.4 μg/L, P 0.05). CA72-4 was positive in 20.3% with more positive cases in those having received higher doses (cutoff dose 25.9 GBq, 36.8% versus 13.7%, P =0.003). Conclusion These tumor markers are not likely progression-related and are not recommended for the follow up of DTC patients unless other malignancies are indicated. The high sensitivity of CA72-4 may be related to radiation damage to the gastrointestinal mucosa.