CEA as a monitor of gastrointestinal malignancy

摘要: Ninety-four patients with carcinoma of the colon have been followed serial determinations plasma CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) levels over a 3-year period using Hansen assay. Nine hundred twelve made in these patients. Plasma rose 90% instances clinical progression documented In 30% patients, this rise indicated 6 months or more before it was detected by standard methods. Unfortunately, few never developed elevated even though disease clearly progressed. False positive results also encountered, significant elevations occurring who since remained without evidence for several months. Our data indicate that at least two sequential values, second being higher, must be minimal criterion consideration possible disease. Even standard, we encountered false 10% our indicating recurrence where none has occurred clinically. measurement is limited usefulness 30 days after curative surgery, because elevation due to original amount tumor present as well surgery per se may persist length time number On other hand, responded chemotherapy close correlation observed course those metastatic treated series. Initial pretherapy values so far proved good prognostic indicators following complete resection. With an initial value less than 2.5 ng/ml plasma, recurrent rare (1/20). If pretreatment greater 7.0 ng/ml, rule (7/9).