Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; analysis ; Humans ; Luminescence

The determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in serum has been of much interest currently concomitant with the search for an immunologic diagnosis test. In this study, serum CEA values from 68 patients with histologically proved cervical carcinoma were determined by radioimmunoassay before or/and at two, intervals after radiotherapy. Fourteen patients of 68 had CEA values over 10ng per milliliter before treatment. The incidence of positive CEA values was higher in the advanced stages of disease. Three patients of five with CEA levels greater than 10ng per milliliter before treatment showed a drop of CEA levels to be1ow 10ng per milliliter seven weeks after treatment whereas two patients showed no change in CEA values at the end of radiotherapy. Two patients with palliative therapy showed no change in CEA values. The CEA test seems to be of little value for the early diagnosis and the evaluation of therapy in patients with cervical carcinoma but appears to be interesting for the surveillance of patients who have shown a drop of CEA level after therapy.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen/analysis* ; Cervix Neoplasms/immunology* ; Female ; Human ; Neoplasm Staging

PURPOSE: The present study is to investigate the clinical utility of tumor marker cutoff ratio (TMR) and develop a TMR combination scoring system based on preoperative tumor marker (TM) levels to prognosis prediction in gastric cancer. METHODS: We include 1,142 patients for whom two or more TMs were measured and who underwent radical gastrectomy between 1990 and 2003. RESULTS: Five-year risk of recurrence (5 YRR) for carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) TMRs were 18.3%, 29.8%, 61.4% for TMR < 1.0, 1.0 < or = TMR < 2.0, TMR > or = 2.0 respectively. 5 YRR for carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) TMR were 19.7%, 35.6%, 58.4% for TMR < 1.0, 1.0 < or = TMR < 3.0, TMR > or = 3.0, respectively. 5 YRR for carbohydrate antigen 72-4 (CA 72-4) TMR were 15.2% and 33.6% for TMR < 1.0 and TMR > or = 1.0, respectively. We defined high TMR (TMR > or = 2.0 for CEA, TMR > or = 3.0 for CA19-9), low TMR (1.0 < or = TMR < 2 for CEA, 1.0 < or = TMR < 3.0 for CA 19-9 and 1.0 < or = TMR for CA72-4) and negative TMR (TMR < 1.0 for all TMs). A TMR combination scoring system was devised with negative scored as zero points, low as 1 and high as 2 for each TMR. TMR scores were divided into four categories (score 0, 1, 2, 3 and above) based on the calculated TMR score and 5 YRR were found to be 12.8%, 23.9%, 45.5%, and 68.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that our scoring system was a significant independent prognostic factor. CONCLUSION: Preoperative TMRs such as CEA, CA 19-9, and CA 72-4 show a correlation with prognosis and the TMR combination scoring system could be a useful tool for the prediction of prognosis in gastric cancer.
Biomarkers, Tumor ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen* ; Cinnarizine ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: Chronic inflammation induces cancer and cancer induces local tissue damage with systemic inflammation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between the severity of inflammation and prognosis in cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study enrolled 220 patients from January 2002 to December 2006 who underwent gastric surgery. We evaluated the relationship between preoperative inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) and other clinicopathological factors. Survival outcomes were compared according to the extent of inflammation. RESULTS: Significant elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate was related with old age, increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, decreased hemoglobin, increased carcinoembryonic antigen, increased tumor size and advanced TNM stage. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was significantly correlated with old age, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and advanced TNM stage. In the univariate analysis, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio had significantly poorer survival than those without elevation (all P<0.05). However, the multivariate analysis failed to prove erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio as independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: The elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were correlated with poor prognosis in the univariate analysis and there was a strong correlation between inflammatory parameters (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio) and tumor progression. Thus, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio are considered useful as follow-up factors.
Blood Sedimentation ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemoglobins ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most widely used tumor marker for detecting colorectal cancer. This study was designed to evaluate the level of serum CEA that is associated with recurrence after potentially curative surgery for colorectal cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated the pre- and post-operative levels of serum CEA in 246 patients with colorectal cancer and they had undergone potentially curative surgery from 1996 through 2005. RESULTS: The pre-operative CEA level was significantly associated with the number of metastatic lymph nodes, the tumor size and the recurrence rate. The feature that was associated with recurrent disease on multivariate analysis was the pre-operative level of serum CEA. CONCLUSION: In order to detect the recurrence of colorectal cancer, we should closely follow up with frequent checks of the CEA level after surgery for those patients who had a high preoperative CEA level.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Preoperative chemoradiotherapy is now widely accepted to treat rectal cancer; however, the prognosis for rectal cancer patients during and after chemoradiotherapy must be determined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serial serum carcinoembryonic antigen (s-CEA) samples in patients with rectal cancer who underwent radical surgery after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: This study evaluated 236 patients with rectal cancer who received preoperative CRT followed by curative surgery between June 2005 and June 2010. We measured the patient's s-CEA levels pre-CRT, post-CRT and post-surgery. Patients were classified into four groups according to their s-CEA concentrations (group 1, high, high, high; group 2, high, high, normal; group 3, high, normal, normal; group 4, normal, normal, normal). We analyzed the clinicopathologic factors and the outcomes among these groups. RESULTS: Of the 236 patients, 12 were in group 1, 31 were in group 2, 67 were in group 3, and 126 were in group 4. The 3-year disease-free survival rate in group 1 was poorer than those in group 3 (P = 0.007) and group 4 (P < 0.001). In a univariate analysis, type of surgery, clinical N stage, pathologic T or N stage, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and CEA group were prognostic factors. A multivariate analysis revealed that type of surgery, pathologic T stage, and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors; however, no statistical significance was associated with the CEA group. CONCLUSION: High pre-CRT, post-CRT, and post-surgery s-CEA levels in patients with rectal cancer were associated with high rates of systemic recurrence and poor survival. Therefore, patients with sustained high s-CEA levels during CRT require careful monitoring after surgery.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Chemoradiotherapy ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Rectal Neoplasms ; Recurrence

PURPOSE: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an important prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, in some stages, it does not work. We performed this study to find a way in which preoperative CEA could be used as a constant prognostic marker in harmony with the TNM staging system. METHODS: Preoperative CEA levels and recurrences in CRC were surveyed. The distribution of CEA levels and the recurrences in each TNM stage of CRC were analyzed. An optimal cutoff value for each TNM stage was calculated and tested for validity as a prognostic marker within the TNM staging system. RESULTS: The conventional cutoff value of CEA (5 ng/mL) was an independent prognostic factor on the whole. However, when evaluated in subgroups, it was not a prognostic factor in stage I or stage III of N2. A subgroup analysis according to TNM stage revealed different CEA distributions and recurrence rates corresponding to different CEA ranges. The mean CEA levels were higher in advanced stages. In addition, the recurrence rates of corresponding CEA ranges were higher in advanced stages. Optimal cutoff values from the receiver operating characteristic curves were 7.4, 5.5, and 4.5 ng/mL for TNM stage I, II, and III, respectively. Those for N0, N1, and N2 stages were 5.5, 4.8, and 3.5 ng/mL, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survivals were significantly different according to these cutoff values for each TNM and N stage. The multivariate analysis confirmed the new cutoff values to be more efficient in discriminating the prognosis in the subgroups of the TNM stages. CONCLUSION: Individualized cutoff values of the preoperative CEA level are a more practical prognostic marker following and in harmony with the TNM staging system.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Disease-Free Survival ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; ROC Curve

PURPOSE: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an important prognostic marker in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, in some stages, it does not work. We performed this study to find a way in which preoperative CEA could be used as a constant prognostic marker in harmony with the TNM staging system. METHODS: Preoperative CEA levels and recurrences in CRC were surveyed. The distribution of CEA levels and the recurrences in each TNM stage of CRC were analyzed. An optimal cutoff value for each TNM stage was calculated and tested for validity as a prognostic marker within the TNM staging system. RESULTS: The conventional cutoff value of CEA (5 ng/mL) was an independent prognostic factor on the whole. However, when evaluated in subgroups, it was not a prognostic factor in stage I or stage III of N2. A subgroup analysis according to TNM stage revealed different CEA distributions and recurrence rates corresponding to different CEA ranges. The mean CEA levels were higher in advanced stages. In addition, the recurrence rates of corresponding CEA ranges were higher in advanced stages. Optimal cutoff values from the receiver operating characteristic curves were 7.4, 5.5, and 4.5 ng/mL for TNM stage I, II, and III, respectively. Those for N0, N1, and N2 stages were 5.5, 4.8, and 3.5 ng/mL, respectively. The 5-year disease-free survivals were significantly different according to these cutoff values for each TNM and N stage. The multivariate analysis confirmed the new cutoff values to be more efficient in discriminating the prognosis in the subgroups of the TNM stages. CONCLUSION: Individualized cutoff values of the preoperative CEA level are a more practical prognostic marker following and in harmony with the TNM staging system.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Disease-Free Survival ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; ROC Curve

PURPOSE: To assess independent prognostic factors for lymph node-negative metastatic gastric cancer patients following curative resection is valuable for more effective follow-up strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1,874 gastric cancer patients who received curative resection, 967 patients were lymph node-negative. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients grouped by tumor invasion depth (early gastric cancer versus advanced gastric cancer) were explored with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of recurrence pattern between lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive group. In the lymph node-negative group, the recurrence pattern differed by the depth of tumor invasion. In univariate analysis for overall survival of the early gastric cancer group, age, macroscopic appearance, histologic type, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis for these factors showed that venous invasion (hazard ratio, 6.695), age (> or =59, hazard ratio, 2.882), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (> or =5 ng/dl, hazard ratio, 3.938) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis of advanced gastric cancer group showed that depth of tumor invasion (T2 versus T3, hazard ratio, 2.809), and age (hazard ratio, 2.319) were prognostic factors on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, independent prognostic factors such as venous permeation, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and age, depth of tumor invasion on overall survival were different between early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer group in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we are confident that our results will contribute to planning follow-up strategies.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE: To assess independent prognostic factors for lymph node-negative metastatic gastric cancer patients following curative resection is valuable for more effective follow-up strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 1,874 gastric cancer patients who received curative resection, 967 patients were lymph node-negative. Independent prognostic factors for overall survival in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients grouped by tumor invasion depth (early gastric cancer versus advanced gastric cancer) were explored with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the distribution of recurrence pattern between lymph node-negative and lymph node-positive group. In the lymph node-negative group, the recurrence pattern differed by the depth of tumor invasion. In univariate analysis for overall survival of the early gastric cancer group, age, macroscopic appearance, histologic type, venous invasion, lymphatic invasion, and carcinoembryonic antigen level were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis for these factors showed that venous invasion (hazard ratio, 6.695), age (> or =59, hazard ratio, 2.882), and carcinoembryonic antigen level (> or =5 ng/dl, hazard ratio, 3.938) were significant prognostic factors. Multivariate analysis of advanced gastric cancer group showed that depth of tumor invasion (T2 versus T3, hazard ratio, 2.809), and age (hazard ratio, 2.319) were prognostic factors on overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, independent prognostic factors such as venous permeation, carcinoembryonic antigen level, and age, depth of tumor invasion on overall survival were different between early gastric cancer and advanced gastric cancer group in lymph node-negative gastric cancer patients. Therefore, we are confident that our results will contribute to planning follow-up strategies.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms