What is the relevance of using the CA-19-9 marker?

The CA-19-9 marker is primarily associated with pancreatic cancer. It is a carbohydrate antigen that is often elevated in individuals with pancreatic malignancies. The presence of elevated levels of CA-19-9 can be used as a tool for the diagnosis, monitoring, and assessing the progression or response to treatment of pancreatic cancer. While CA-19-9 can also be elevated in other conditions such as cholangiocarcinoma or certain gastrointestinal disorders, its primary relevance lies in its association with pancreatic cancer, making it a crucial biomarker in the clinical setting for this type of cancer. This specific connection underscores the importance of CA-19-9 in oncological diagnostics and management, providing insight into the state of disease in patients suspected to have or currently being treated for pancreatic cancer.