CA- 19.9 (Pancreatic Cancer Marker)

CA-19.9 (Cancer Antigen 19-9) is a carbohydrate antigen produced by pancreatic and biliary tract cells. This test is primarily used in patients with diagnosed pancreatic cancer to monitor disease progression, response to treatment, and recurrence after therapy. Elevated CA-19.9 levels may also be seen in cancers of the bile ducts, gallbladder, stomach, and colon, as well as in non-cancerous conditions such as pancreatitis, cholangitis, liver disease, and obstructive jaundice. CA-19.9 is not recommended as a screening test for pancreatic cancer and should always be interpreted alongside imaging studies and clinical findings.