Normal ca19-9 levels correlate with improved survival in pancreatic cancer

In a study involving 1,558 pancreatic cancer patients, 13.9% exhibited normal carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (ca19-9) levels, linked to significantly longer median survival rates (18.1 vs. 9.7 months). Those with stage IV ca19-9-normal cancer had a 5-year survival chance of 22.4%, compared to 6.8% in the ca19-9-high group. Findings suggest that glucose control, influenced by insulin levels, may provide a new therapeutic avenue in improving overall survival among this indolent subgroup.