The role of CEA, TPA and CA 19-9 in the early detection of recurrent colorectal cancer

• Published in: International journal of colorectal disease Vol. 4; no. 4; p. 230
• Main Authors: Barillari, P, Ramacciato, G, de Angelis, R, Gozzo, P, Aurello, P, Indinnimeo, M, Valabrega, S, D'Angelo, F, Fegiz, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01.12.1989
• Subjects: Aged; Antigens, Tumor-Associated, Carbohydrate - blood; Biomarkers, Tumor - blood; Carcinoembryonic Antigen - blood; Colorectal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Colorectal Neoplasms - mortality; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Neoplasm Metastasis; Peptides - blood; Predictive Value of Tests; Reoperation; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tissue Polypeptide Antigen
• ISSN: 0179-1958
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01644987

Eighty-eight consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for colorectal cancer between 1983 and 1985 were studied prospectively to evaluate the roles of sequential CEA, TPA and CA 19-9 determinations and independent clinical examination in the early diagnosis of resectable recurrences. Twenty nine recurrences were detected between 8 and 38 months after primary surgery. CEA, TPA and CA 19-9 showed a sensitivity of 72%, 62% and 38%, and a specificity of 78%, 86% and 97%, respectively. Of eight recurrences in which CEA was not raised, five induced a rise in TPA and two a rise in CA 19-9. The rise in the serum concentration of one of the three markers was the first sign of relapse in 23 (79%) patients. Two second-look laparotomies based solely on a rise in serum markers were performed. In one case diffuse recurrent disease was found, and in the other a resectable solitary hepatic metastasis was found.