OBJECTIVE: The rate of normalization of human chorionic gonadotropin or CA 125 in other gynecologic malignancies is highly predictive of response to therapy and recurrence. Serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC antigen) levels were studied in patients with invasive cervical carcinoma to determine if the rate of normalization was associated with outcome.

STUDY DESIGN: One hundred eighty-four patients were studied. A logistic regression of elevated SCC antigen levels was performed.

RESULTS: In primary squamous cell carcinoma the SCC antigen level was elevated in stages I, II, III, and IV disease and all stages combined in 24%, 57%, 67%, 71%, and 43% of cases, respectively. Only 27% of patients with nonsquamous carcinoma of the cervix had elevated SCC antigen levels. SCC antigen levels were elevated in 50% of patients with recurrent disease. In both primary and recurrent disease elevated SCC antigen levels decreased with effective therapy. Normalization of elevated SCC levels was associated with a complete response; however, logistic regression of SCC antigen values was not.

CONCLUSION: When initially elevated, SCC antigen assays aided in determination of response and detection of recurrences.