Usefulness of preoperative CEA levels in the assessment of colorectal cancer patient stage

Abstract

In order to demonstrate a prognostic value of preoperative CEA levels, we have tried to define a correlation between CEA and histologic stage of tumor in 124 patients with colorectal carcinoma. CEA concentration has been evaluated by radioimmunologic assay and the histologic stage following Dukes' classification. The results show a 25.0% positivity rate for patients in stage A, 48.2% for stage B, 61.1% for stage C, and 85.7% for stage D. The mean CEA values are 7.8 ng/ml in the first group, 30.3 ng/ml in the second, 58.1 ng/ml in the third, and 134.3 ng/ml in the last group. Furthermore, we have tried to relate the histopathologic grade of the tumor (G) with CEA levels in 54 patients of the 124. We conclude that preoperative CEA has a prognostic value, and it is useful in the staging of colorectal cancer patients. A low concentration indicates an early stage of the tumor, while a high concentration indicates a wide spread of disease; on the other hand, there are not significant correlations with cancer grading.

Differences in carcinoembryonic antigen levels between colon and rectal cancer

“…Previous studies by Midiri et al (13) and Chen et al (12) reported a different tendency of the serum CEA levels in CRC patients with advancing stage. Our results of the present study revealed that the lowest CEA level was observed in stage C, with significant differences from stages A and D. The impacts of patient number, age and gender was not taken into consideration as they could not be controlled in this analysis and there were no differences between them.…”

Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase and Carcinoembryonic Antigen in Colorectal Cancer Patients

“…A possible correlation between LAP scores and CEA levels was tested with negative results. Walach Guterman Zaidman Kaufman Scharf The value of CEA as a marker which correlates with colorectal cancer staging has been discussed by Midri et ah [3], who find a relationship between CEA levels and cancer spread.…”

“…In patients with colon cancer, preopera tive CEA values have correlated with disease stage and have been shown to have prognostic value and utility in staging [3,4].…”

Relation between Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels in Colon Cancer Tissue and Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Levels at Initial Surgery and Recurrence

“…The positive rate of serum CEA increases in parallel to the disease stage. Particularly high serum CEA levels are often found in patients with metastasis [3,4,5,6,7,8]. …”