Biliary carcinoembryonic antigen in the diagnosis of occult hepatic metastases from colorectal cancer

Abstract

This study suggests that biliary CEA determination could represent an important method to select patients affected by occult hepatic metastases for inclusion in appropriate treatment protocols.

Prognostic significance of CEA levels and detection of CEA mRNA in draining venous blood in patients with colorectal cancer

“…Since the isolation of CEA from extracts of gastrointestinal tract tumors and fetal gut tissue in 1965, the detection of CEA has been used by many clinicians in other fluid compartments [11,12]. Yeatman [13] was among the first that suggested biliary concentration of CEA as a sensitive marker of occult hepatic metastases.…”

Detection of occult liver metastases in colorectal cancer by measurement of biliary carcinoembryonic antigen concentration: A prospective study

“…Gallblader bile samples with CEA levels below 20 ng/ml were also tested after acid extraction [12]. CEA concentrations of 0-5 ng/ml were considered normal [13][14][15][16][17][18]. For the patients of group 2, follow-up was based on a clinical examination and blood CEA assay every 3 months, and a sonography and computed tomography examination of the liver every 6 months.…”

Value of Carcinoembryonic Antigen Assay in Predicting Hepatic Metastases, Local Recurrence, and Survival After Curative Resection of Colorectal Cancer

“…6,10 A cutoff level of 5 ng/ml or higher was used for bile CEA as a predictor of occult hepatic secondaries. 1,2,[6][7][8] Similarly, a cutoff level of 5 ng/ml or higher was used for peripheral and mesenteric blood CEA. 12,14 Follow-up was for 5 years or until death.…”

“…Other authors have since evaluated the role of bile CEA as well as peripheral and mesenteric venous blood CEA levels, in predicting hepatic metastases and the prognosis of colorectal cancer patients. 1,2,5,[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16] In this prospective study, we measured CEA levels in peripheral, mesenteric venous blood, and bile from patients with colorectal cancer without metastases, and investigated their possible role in predicting hepatic metastases, local recurrence, and survival. We also evaluated the relationship between the CEA positive rates and four clinicopathologic variables; namely, tumor location, differentiation, tumor staging, and the existence of nodal metastases.…”