Revisiting ab initio carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 tumor markers in colorectal carcinoma in association with anatomotopographic location and staging of disease

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study purposed to evaluate preoperative two tumor markers, namely, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen (CA)19-9, in colorectal cancer for anatomotopographic location with disease stage and to assess their utility for diagnostic staging purposes. METHODS: The study retrospectively incorporated patients who had undergone surgery for colorectal cancer at our department in 2015-2018 and in whom carcinoembryonic antigen and CA19-9 tumor markers had been preoperatively analyzed. The obtained data were then statistically processed using R-project. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients had been incorporated, of whom 96 (62%) were men and 59 (38%) were women. Rectum was the most common location (74 patients, 48%), and the least represented stage was IV (18, 12%). The marker carcinoembryonic antigen was obtained in all 155 cases, while CA19-9 was in 105. The median carcinoembryonic antigen was 3 (0.34-1104.25), and the median CA19-9 was 12 (0.18-840.00). A significance was recognized between median carcinoembryonic antigen and disease stage (p-value=0.016), with stages I, II, and III (medians 2, 3, and 2) different from stage IV (median 13), while no significance for CA19-9 was recognized (p-value=0.343). No significance between either marker and location (carcinoembryonic antigen: p=0.276; CA19-9: p=0.505) was detected. The testing was performed at a significance level of alpha=0.05. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a significance between the marker carcinoembryonic antigen, but not CA19-9, and the disease stage, while no relationship of either of these markers with tumor location was found. Herewith, the study confirmed that higher carcinoembryonic antigen values may suggest the finding of more advanced forms of colorectal cancer and thus a worse prognosis of this malignant phenomenon.

Rol actual del antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) en el manejo del cáncer de colon

El antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) es un marcador tumoral ampliamente empleado en el manejo del cáncer colorrectal, especialmente en el seguimiento de los pacientes resecados con intención curativa. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar el rol del CEA en el manejo de los pacientes intervenidos por un cáncer de colon estadios I-III considerando la mejor evidencia disponible. Dada la sensibilidad modesta en el tumor primario (40%), la cual sube al 60-80% en los casos de recidiva, se propone la medición precoz del marcador (alrededor del mes) de las resecciones R0, toda vez que el valor debiera estar normalizado, especialmente si estaba elevado en el preoperatorio. Una elevación sostenida o un alza > de 10 ng/ml en el control precoz es indicativo de enfermedad residual y/o a distancia, lo que implica un rastreo clínico intensivo. Aunque el CEA preoperatorio tiene un valor pronóstico categórico, el CEA postoperatorio precoz elevado parece tener un valor pronóstico de recidiva superior. Un seguimiento intensivo parece razonable en los pacientes con factores de riesgo de recidiva, lo que incluye la medición del CEA en forma seriada. El umbral óptimo del CEA es motivo de controversia, con una tendencia a bajar el nivel de corte considerado normal (< 5 ng/ml) en los últimos años), lo que podría mejorar el balance entre sensibilidad y especificidad del test. Nuevas técnicas como el ADN circulante en combinación con el CEA se han propuesto para mejorar la oportunidad del diagnóstico de una recidiva, actualmente en evaluación.

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker widely used in the management of colorectal cancer, especially in the follow-up of patients resected with curative intent. The objective of this review is to update the role of CEA in the management of patients operated on for stage I-III colon cancer considering the best available evidence. Given the modest sensitivity in the primary tumor (40%), which rises to 60-80% in cases of recurrence, early measurement of the marker (around a month) of R0 resections is proposed, since the value should be normalized, especially if it was elevated preoperatively. A sustained elevation or a rise > 10 ng/mL at early check-up is indicative of residual and/or distant disease, which implies intensive clinical follow-up. Although preoperative CEA has a strong prognostic value, elevated early postoperative CEA seems to have a higher prognostic value for recurrence. Intensive follow-up seems reasonable in patients with risk factors for recurrence, which includes serial CEA measurement. The optimal CEA threshold is controversial, with a tendency to lower the cut-off level considered normal (< 5 ng/ml) in recent years), which could improve the balance between test sensitivity and specificity. New techniques such as circulating DNA in combination with CEA have been proposed to improve the chance of diagnosing a recurrence, currently under evaluation.

The Relationship Between Carcinoembryonic Antigen and Epicardial Adipose Tissue

Abstract Background: Inflammation, which is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, plays a critical role in the development of both cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) and cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker which also has proinflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported CEA to be associated with atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and visceral adiposity. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can exhibit highly inflammatory and pathogenic properties, and is a known risk factor for CMD. However, its relationship with CEA is still unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of CEA with EAT. Methods: A total of 134 Caucasian (males = 56, females = 78) individuals, aged (22-83 years), who were admitted for routine health control, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. CEA was measured with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and the visceral fat rating (VFR) was assessed by a body composition analyzing machine. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CEA levels were categorized as tertiles: T1, 0.5-1.04; T2, 1.06-1.69; and T3, ≥1.7 ng/ml. The mean age, weight, VFR, EAT, and fasting glucose, as well as the median of systolic blood pressure (SBP), creatinine, and AST increased with the increasing CEA tertiles. CEA was significantly associated with EAT (r = 0.55, P<0.001) and VFR (r = 0.36, P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed that gender, age, and EAT were the significant independent variables associated with CEA. Conclusion: Individuals with increased EAT have higher levels of CEA, suggesting that this biomarker is most likely produced by EAT; however, additional investigations are required to improve the present work.

Effects of apatinib on quality of life and immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To analyze the effects of apatinib on quality of life and immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Methods:A total of 187 older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer admitted to Taizhou Cancer Hospital from January 2017 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into the control group ( n = 93) and the observation group ( n = 94). The control group was treated with carboplatin combined with pemetrexed and the observation group was treated with apatinib based on carboplatin and pemetrexed. Sign and symptoms remission was compared between the observation and control groups. The levels of tumor markers, immune function, and quality of life score were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results:Total remission rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (88.30% vs. 69.89%, χ2 = 9.59, P < 0.05). After treatment, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 50, and carcinoembryonic antigen in the observation group were (16.25 ± 5.47) μg/L, (15.23 ± 3.27) μg/L and (5.91 ± 2.66) mg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (21.49 ± 6.61) μg/L, (19.11 ± 3.48) μg/L and (10.14 ± 2.73) mg/L in the control group ( t = 5.91, 7.86, 10.73, all P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3 + and CD4 + cells, and the ratio of CD4 +/CD8 + cells in the observation group were (69.34 ± 8.85)%, (38.15 ± 6.52)%, (1.40 ± 0.33), respectively, which were significantly higher than (64.51 ± 8.74)%, (33.55 ± 6.33)%, (1.23 ± 0.25) in the control group ( t = -3.75, -5.36, -3.97, all P < 0.05). Quality of life score was increased in each group ( P < 0.001). The amplitude of increase in quality of life score was greater in the observation group compared with the control group ( P < 0.001). Conclusion:Apatinib can effectively reduce the level of tumor markers and improve immune function in older adult patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and improve quality of life.

Analysis of the diagnostic value of sex hormone combined with carcinoembryonic antigen in lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To analyze the diagnostic value of sex hormone combined with carcinoembryonic antigen on lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.Methods:52 cases of breast cancer patients who underwent surgical resection were collected and divided into non-metastasis group and metastases group after axillary lymph node ultrasonography. The blood samples was collected from patients and the levels of serum estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and carcinoembryonic antigen were detected; The diagnostic value of the above indexes in patients with lymph node metastasis was analyzed; Logistic risk regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors for lymph node metastasis after surgical resection.Results:There were significant differences between the non-metastatic group and the metastatic group in the largest tumor diameter and menopause (all P<0.05), but there were no significant differences among other general data (all P>0.05). The serum estradiol level in the non-metastatic group was (153.97±35.55) pg/ml, the progesterone level was (0.33±0.05) ng/ml, and the carcinoembryonic antigen level was (11.44±3.77) ng/ml, while the estradiol level in the metastatic group was (207.19±52.11) pg/ml ( t=4.13, P<0.001), progesterone level (0.38±0.04) ng/ml ( t=4.01, P<0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen level (15.41±3.46) ng/ml ( t=3.94, P<0.001). The above three indicators were significantly increased in patients in the transfer group. The area under the curve of estradiol was 0.83, the area under the curve of progesterone was 0.80, the area under the curve of carcinoembryonic antigen was 0.77, the area under the curve of the combination of the three was 0.85, and the area under the curve of the combination of the three was the largest. Logistic risk regression model showed that estradiol, progesterone, and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were independent risk factors affecting lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients (all P<0.05) . Conclusion:The sex hormone estradiol, progesterone combined with carcinoembryonic antigen has a high diagnostic value for lymph node metastasis in patients with breast cancer, and can independently predict the occurrence of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Reassess the value of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen in the diagnosis and treatment of medullary thyroid cancer / 国际外科学杂志

In patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were the most important serum biomarkers for diagnosis, evaluation and follow-up. Approximately 0.3% to 5.9% of the thyroid nodule population could present with elevated Ctn on screening, and a diagnosis of MTC can be basically confirmed when serum Ctn > 100 pg/ml.. Ctn and CEA levels could reflect tumor burden and help determine the extent and timing of surgery. When preoperative serum Ctn >200 pg/mL or CEA >30 ng/mL, nearly more than one-third of patients had lateral neck lymph node metastasis. Few patients developed distant metastasis when Ctn<500 pg/mL, however the proportion of distant metastasis could reach 75% when CEA>100 ng/mL. In inherited MTC patients, tumors with Ctn<30 pg/mL were usually localized in the gland without metastasis. The time to normalization of serum Ctn and CEA postoperatively was one month in most patients. According to the response to initial therapy, patients with undetectable Ctn and normal CEA had a low risk of relapse and death in the follow-up period. The risk of local recurrence, LNM and distant metastasis increased as Ctn levels rose. The Ctn/CEA doubling time could predict the disease prognosis, and when it was less than 0.5 years, most patients would die.

Prognostic assessment of tumor markers in lung carcinomas

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: Serum tumor markers are molecules that are secreted by tumor cells and may be present in small amounts in the serum of healthy individuals. Their role as prognostic factors in lung cancer remains controversial. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic role of CEA, CA 19-9, CA 15-3, and CA 125 in non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 112 patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer from two Oncology Centers were retrospectively analyzed. Tumor marker levels were measured prior to treatment. Data regarding clinical characteristics and overall survival were collected. RESULTS: Median overall survival of all patients was 15.97 months. Pre-treatment elevations of CA 125 and CA 15-3 were associated with shorter overall survival (p=0.004 and p=0.014, respectively). Single CEA and CA 19-9 elevations were not associated with a worse prognosis. Patients with two or more elevated markers had a statistically significant decrease in overall survival (p=0.008). In the multivariate analysis, smoking status and number of positive tumor markers at diagnosis were independently associated with a worse prognosis. CONCLUSION: High pre-treatment levels of tumor markers were correlated with decreased survival in patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.

The value of plasma SEPT9 gene methylation combined with serum carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 724 in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the clinical application value of plasma SEPT9 gene methylation combined with serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724) in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.Methods:A total of 219 patients with colorectal diseases in Baoji Central Hospital and Yunnan Province New Kun Hua Hospital from May 2018 to October 2021 were selected, including 149 cases of colorectal cancer and 70 cases of colorectal polyp diagnosed by pathology. A total of 100 healthy people in the same period were selected as the healthy control group. The methylation of SEPT9 gene in plasma was measured by using real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the levels of serum CEA and CA724 were measured by using electrochemiluminescence. The expressions of three indicators in each group were compared, and the effect of every single indicator and the combination of the three indicators on the diagnosis of colorectal cancer was analyzed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:The positive rate of SEPT9 gene methylation in colorectal cancer group (74.50%, 111/149) was higher than that in colorectal polyp group (22.86%, 16/70) and healthy control group (1.00%, 1/100), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The positive rate of CEA in colorectal cancer group (46.98%, 70/149) was higher than that in colorectal polyp group (40.00%, 28/70) and the healthy control group (3.00%, 3/100) and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The positive rate of CA724 in colorectal cancer group (38.93%, 58/149) was higher than that in colorectal polyp group (32.86%, 23/70) and the healthy control group (2.00%, 2/100), and the difference was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC of SEPT9 gene methylation, CEA and CA724 in the single diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 0.823 (95% CI 0.753-0.891), 0.788 (95% CI 0.725-0.852) and 0.689 (95% CI 0.624-0.754), respectively. The optimal cut-off Ct value of SEPT9 gene methylation in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 36.5, the sensitivity was 90.30%, and the positive predictive value was 84.68%, which were higher than those of CEA and CA724. The optimal cut-off value of CEA in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer was 8.80 ng/ml, and the specificity (77.50%) and negative predictive value (78.48%) were higher than those of SEPT9 gene methylation and CA724. The sensitivity (97.66%), positive predictive value (93.98%), negative predictive value (81.25%) and AUC (0.846, 95% CI 0.749-0.944) of the combined detection of the three indexes taking the optimal cut-off value of every single indicator were higher than those of the single indicator. Conclusions:The combined detection of plasma SEPT9 gene methylation, CEA and CA724 in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer has high sensitivity and accuracy. The three combined detection can complement each other and improve the diagnostic efficiency, which is of high clinical value for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

Prognostic value of tumor markers in idiopathic inflammatory myopathy associated interstitial lung disease / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To explore the correlation between tumor markers and prognosis of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) associated interstitial lung disease (ILD).Methods:A total of 149 patients who were no less than 18 years old and diagnosed with IIM-ILD from July 2017 to September 2019 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were consecutively enrolled in the study. Ten patients were lost to follow-up. The remaining 139 cases were regarded as research objects. Patients were divided into survival group or death group according to their one-year survival status. Then their baseline characteristics were compared. Univariate Cox regression analyses of age, gender, cancer, inflammatory indexes, muscle zymogram, tumor markers, ferritin, melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) antibody and treatment regimens were conducted to identify prognostic risk factors of one-year mortality. Corrected multivariable cox regression was applied to screen the independent risk factors associated with one-year mortality of IIM-ILD. According to the cut-off value of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) (6 μg/L and 28 μg/L, respectively), patients were divided into high-level groups and low-level groups. Kaplan Meier survival curve were generated to compare one-year survival rate of high-level groups and low-level groups. On the basis of qualitative results of MDA5 antibody, patients were split into two groups with positive MDA5 antibody or negative MDA5 antibody. The differences of CEA, NSE levels between the two groups and the correlation between CEA, NSE levels and ferritin were analyzed.Results:Age, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), CEA, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 199, NSE and ferritin in the death group were higher than those in the survival group, while the rate of immunosuppressant administration was lower than that in survival group ( P<0.05). Univariate regression analyses showed that CEA, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA211) and NSE were risk factors for one-year mortality of IIM-ILD. Adjusted by age, treatment regimens and tumor, multivariate regression analysis showed that CEA [ HR=1.112, 95% CI (1.017-1.214), P=0.019] and NSE [ HR=1.033, 95% CI (1.002-1.064), P=0.034] were independent risk factors for one-year mortality. One-year survival rate of the group with CEA≥6 μg/L was lower than that in the group with CEA<6 μg/L (Logrank test, P<0.001). Similarly, one-year survival rate of the group with NSE≥28 μg/L was lower than that in the group with NSE<28 μg/L (Logrank test, P<0.001). In addition, the CEA level in patients with positive MDA5 antibody was higher than that in patients with negative MDA5 antibody ( P<0.001). However, there was no correlation between NSE and MDA5 antibody. Moreover, serum levels of CEA ( r=0.299, P=0.002) and NSE ( r=0.349, P<0.001) were positively correlated with ferritin. Conclusions:Tumor markers have predictive value for the prognosis of IIM-ILD. Higher CEA and NSE are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with IIM-ILD.

Value of different tumor markers for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of colon cancer in patients / 中国基层医药

Objective:To comprehensively analyze the clinical values of serum tumor markers of colon cancer, including carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724), cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen (CYFRA21-1), carbohydrate antigen199 (CA199) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of colon cancer in patients.Methods:The clinical data of 160 patients with colon cancer who received treatment in Zhuji Central Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020 (observation group) and the clinical data of 156 patients with benign colon polyps who concurrently received physical examination (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent CA724, CYFRA21-1, CA199 and CEA tumor marker screening. The levels of tumor markers, the positive rate of a single tumor marker, and the positive rate of a combination of four markers were compared between the control and observation groups. The levels of tumor markers were compared among different pathological stages. The levels of serum tumor markers were compared among patients with different prognoses based on 1-year follow-up data.Results:CA199-positve rate, CEA-positive rate, CYFRA21-1-positve rate, CA724-positive rate, and the positive rate of a combination of four tumor markers were 85.63% (137/160), 86.88% (139/160), 71.88% (115/160), 85.00% (136/160), and 95.63%(153/160), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group ( χ2 = 8.64, 10.28, 8.33, 9.93, 7.27, all P < 0.001). Serum CA199, CEA, CYFRA21-1 and CA724 levels in patients with stage III-IV colon cancer were (58.96 ± 13.59) U/mL, (38.69 ± 11.84) μg/L, (14.78 ± 3.68) μg/L, (23.68 ± 5.38) U/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in patients with stage I-II colon cancer [(48.35 ± 9.03) U/mL, (23.96 ± 12.25) μg/L, (9.57 ± 2.53) μg/L, (13.02 ± 4.32) U/mL, t = 10.29, 12.02, 8.47, 10.54, all P < 0.001). One-year follow-up results showed that serum levels of CA199, CEA, CYFRA21-1, CA724 in patients with recurrence and metastasis of colon cancer were (38.68 ± 3.04) U/mL, (17.12 ± 4.96) μg/L, (8.94 ± 2.32) μg/L, (11.22 ± 1.94) U/mL, which were significantly higher than those in patients without recurrence of colon cancer [(30.02 ± 2.95) U/mL, (3.75 ± 1.06) μg/L, (3.06 ± 1.15) μg/L, (6.28 ± 1.53) U/mL, t = 8.73, 11.02, 7.72, 7.57, all P < 0.001]. Conclusion:Serum levels of CEA, CA199, CA724 and CYFRA21-1 can be used as important indicators for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of colon cancer.

The relationship between tumor volume changes, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125 and the prognosis of cervical cancer patients with concurrent radiotherapy / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between tumor volume changes, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and the prognosis of cervical cancer patients with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy and their combined prediction of prognosis.Methods:One hundred and twenty-eight patients in Shanxi Cancer Hospital from February 2018 to February 2020, with cervical cancer undergoing radical concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy were selected for a prospective study. According to different prognostic effects, the patients were divided into poor prognosis group (44 cases) and good prognosis group (84 cases). The general data, tumor reduction rate (TVRR), SCC-Ag, CEA, and CA125 levels were compared between the two groups, and the Logistic regression equation was used to analyze the prognostic factors of patients with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the performance of each index and the joint prediction of prognosis. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and log-rank (Mantel-Cox) were used to test the survival curves of TVRR, SCC-Ag, CEA, CA125 high-risk individuals and low-risk individuals.Results:The TVRR in the poor prognosis group was significantly lower than that in the good prognosis group: (76.63 ± 7.52)% vs. (85.54 ± 6.71)%, the SCC-Ag, CEA, CA125 were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group: (6.98 ± 2.15) μg/L vs. (4.61 ± 1.37) μg/L, (9.34 ± 2.23) μg/L vs. (5.76 ± 1.87) μg/L, (68.79 ± 12.01) kU/L vs. (49.97 ± 15.22) kU/L, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that TVRR, SCC-Ag, CEA and CA125 were significant factors influencing the prognosis of patients with concurrent chemoradiotherapy for cervical cancer ( P<0.05). Among the single indicators, TVRR predicted the highest prognosis AUC, and the combined prognostic AUC of all indicators (0.837, 95% CI 0.761 to 0.920) was higher than any single indicator, with a sensitivity of 81.82% and specificity of 84.52%. The survival curves of TVRR, SCC-Ag, CEA, CA125 between high-risk and low-risk patients showed statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The changes in tumor volume, SCC-Ag, CEA, CA125 and the prognosis of patients with concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for cervical cancer have a certain correlation. The combined examination of the four in the early stage is expected to become a new approach to clinically predict the prognosis of cervical cancer and make appropriate treatment plans.

Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography for pancreatic cystic lesions / 中华胰腺病杂志

Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) for pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs).Methods:Clinical data of 211 patients with PCLs, who underwent EUS at least once and were pathologically confirmed in First Affiliated of Naval Medical University from January 2011 to December 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. EUS imaging characteristics, biochemical analysis of cystic fluid and pathological data were recorded. The pathological diagnosis results of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms were included in the mucinous lesion group, while pancreatic pseudocyst, serous cystic neoplasms, solid pseudopapillary neoplasms and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors were included as non-mucinous lesions group; those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinoma or with atypical or cancer cells were included as malignant lesion group, and the else were included as benign lesions group. The level of CEA in cyst fluid between mucinous and non-mucinous lesions and the level of amylase in cyst fluid between benign and malignant lesion groups were compared, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated by drawing receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), which was used to analyze the differential diagnosis efficiency of cyst fluid CEA and amylase test indexes. The basic characteristics and EUS imaging characteristics, and the diagnostic efficiency of EUS and liquid-based cytology and histopathology between benign and malignant lesions were studied and analyzed.Results:Among the 211 PCL patients, cyst fluid was obtained in 201 patients, of which 188 patients (93.5%) underwent cytological examination, and 33 patients were diagnosed with an accuracy rate of 17.6%; 41 cases were obtained for histological examination, and 23 cases were confirmed, with an accuracy rate of 56.1%. Among all confirmed cases, 45 cases had benign lesions, including 22 cases of mucinous lesions and 23 cases of non-mucinous lesions, with the cyst fluid CEA of 1458.16(19.80, 1500.00), 4.4(0.50, 341.14)ng/ml respectively, and the difference of cyst fluid CEA level between mucinous and non-mucinous lesions was statistically significant( P<0.05). The cyst fluid CEA<10.15 ng/ml could be used to diagnose non-mucinous PCLs with the sensitivity of 89.5%(95% CI0.686-0.981), and the specificity of 66.7%(95% CI0.438-0.837). The cyst fluid amylase levels in benign and malignant lesions were 379.00(50.00, 18405.50), 42.00(13.50, 340.00)U/L, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The cyst fluid amylase>747.50 U/L might help to identify benign PCLs with the sensitivity of 91.7%(95% CI0.646-0.996), and the specificity of 48.0%(95% CI0.300-0.665). EUS showed that the proportion of cyst wall thickening, main duct dilatation and cystic solid components in patients with malignant lesions was significantly higher than that in patients with benign lesions, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the proportion of cyst wall nodules and cystic septum between the two groups. The accuracy of EUS combined with liquid-based cytology or histopathology in malignant lesions was over 80%. Conclusions:The cyst fluid CEA level can help to differentiate non-mucinous PCLs from mucinous PCLs, and the cystic amylase level could be useful to identify the benign and malignant PCLs. EUS combined with cytology or histology had high diagnostic value for malignant or potentially malignant PCLs, and EUS-FNA examination can be recommended as soon as possible for those with high-risk factors.

Rendimiento del antígeno carcinoembrionario como prueba diagnóstica del cancer colorrectal / Effectiveness of carcinoembryonic antigen to diagnose colorectal cancer / Desempenho do antígeno carcinogênico embrionário como teste diagnóstico do câncer colorretal

Resumen: Introducción: el antígeno carcinoembrionario (CEA) es un marcador tumoral de seguimiento y no una prueba de tamizaje y diagnóstico en cáncer colorrectal (CCR). Sin embargo, en la práctica clínica habitual se continúa solicitando con fines de diagnóstico inicial. Objetivo: evaluar el rendimiento del CEA para el diagnóstico de CCR en el Hospital Maciel y en la Cooperativa Médica de Florida, en el período 2000-2019. Material y método: se trata de un estudio prospectivo de evaluación del CEA como prueba diagnóstica del CCR. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: 1) videocolonoscopía total en los usuarios sin CCR y videocolonoscopía total o parcial para aquellos con CCR y la confirmación histológica de adenocarcinoma; 2) contar con determinación de CEA dentro de los 30 días previos o posteriores a la videocolonoscopía, y 3) para la estadificación, el informe anatomopatológico de la pieza quirúrgica y la confirmación histológica de metástasis a distancia. El número de casos incluidos se determinó por un mínimo de diez casos en cada celda de la tabla de contingencia. Resultados: se analizaron 211 casos. El análisis general determinó una sensibilidad de 33,6%, especificidad 70,4%, valor predictivo positivo (VPP) 69,1%, valor predictivo negativo (VPN) 35%, exactitud 45,9%. Para el estadio II, sensibilidad 18,8%, especificidad 70,4%, VPP 30%, VPN 56,2%, exactitud 49,5%. Estadio III: sensibilidad 31,6%, especificidad 70,4%, VPP 36,4%, VPN 65,8%, exactitud 56,8%. Estadio IV: sensibilidad 65%, especificidad 70,4%, VPP 55,3%, VPN 78,1%, exactitud 68,4%. Conclusiones: el CEA como prueba de confirmación diagnóstica del CCR muestra un bajo rendimiento, siendo aun menor en estadios precoces de la enfermedad.

Summary: Introduction: carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker used for follow up rather than a screening and diagnostic test for colorectal cancer (CCR). However, it continues to be requested in the regular clinical practice for initial diagnosis. Objective: to evaluate the effectiveness of CEA to diagnose colorectal cancer at Maciel Hospital and Cooperativa Medica de Florida Hospital from 2000 to 2019. Method: prospective study to evaluate CEA as a diagnostic test for colorectal cancer. The following inclusion criteria were used: 1) total videocolonoscopy in all users without CLC and total or partial videocolonoscopy for those with CRC and histologic confirmation of adenocarcinoma; 2) CEA determination within 30 days before or after videocolonoscopy and 3) for the purpose of staging, pathology report of the surgical piece and histological confirmation of distant metastases. The number of cases included was defined by a 10-case minimum in each cell of the contingency table. Results: 211 cases were analysed. The general analysis revealed 33.6% sensitivity, 70.4% specificity, VPP 69.1%, VPN 35%, accuracy 45.9%. In the case of staging II, sensitivity was 18.8%, specificity 70.4%, VPP 30%, VPN 56.2%, accuracy 49.5%. In the case of staging III, sensitivity 31.6%, specificity 70.4%, VPP 36.4%, VPN 65.8%, accuracy 56.8%. In the case of staging IV, sensitivity 65%, specificity 70.4%, VPP 55.3%, VPN 78.1%, accuracy 68.4%. Conclusions: CEA evidences low effectiveness to diagnose colorectal cancer, and it is still less effective in early stages of the disease.

Resumo: Introdução: o antígeno carcinogênico embrionário (CEA) é um marcador tumoral de acompanhamento e não um teste de rastreamento e diagnóstico em câncer colorretal (CRC). No entanto, na prática clínica de rotina, continua a ser solicitado nos diagnósticos iniciais. Objetivo: avaliar o desempenho do CEA no diagnóstico de câncer colorretal nos Hospitais Maciel de Montevidéu e da Cooperativa Médica de Florida, no período 2000-2019. Material e método: este é um estudo prospectivo avaliando o CEA como teste diagnóstico para câncer colorretal. Os critérios de inclusão foram: 1) videocolonoscopia total em usuários sem CCR e videocolonoscopia total ou parcial naqueles com CCR e confirmação histológica de adenocarcinoma; 2) determinação do CEA 30 dias antes ou após a videocolonoscopia e 3) estadiamento, laudo anatomopatológico da peça cirúrgica e confirmação histológica de metástases à distância. O número de casos incluídos foi determinado por um mínimo de 10 casos em cada célula da tabela de contingência. Resultados: foram analisados 211 casos. A análise geral determinou uma sensibilidade de 33,6%, especificidade 70,4%, VPP 69,1%, VPN 35%, precisão 45,9%. Para o estágio II, sensibilidade 18,8%, especificidade 70,4%, PPV 30%, NPV 56,2%, precisão 49,5%. Estágio III, sensibilidade 31,6%, especificidade 70,4%, PPV 36,4%, NPV 65,8%, precisão 56,8%. Estágio IV, sensibilidade 65%, especificidade 70,4%, PPV 55,3%, NPV 78,1%, precisão 68,4%. Conclusões: o CEA como teste de confirmação diagnóstica do câncer colorretal apresenta baixo desempenho, sendo ainda menor nos estágios iniciais da doença.

Correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood and clinicopathological features of patients with breast cancer / 肿瘤研究与临床

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the number of circulating tumor cells (CTC) in peripheral blood and clinicopathological features of patients with breast cancer.Methods:The clinical data of 104 breast cancer patients at Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital between January 2017 and May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The number of CTC in peripheral blood, the levels of serum tumor markers [alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen (CA)125, CA153] were detected. In blood samples, the number of CTC ≥ 2/ml was defined as CTC positive. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the protein expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissues. The association of CTC with clinicopathological features, serum tumor markers and Ki-67 protein expression was also analyzed.Results:The CTC positive rate was 80.77% (84/104). There were statistically significant differences in composition of whether there was vascular tumor thrombus (χ 2 = 0.860, P = 0.009), axillary lymph node metastasis (χ 2 = 12.382, P<0.01), N staging ( P = 0.002) and TNM staging (χ 2 = 7.698, P = 0.006) between patients with CTC positive and negative. However, there were no statistically significant differences in composition of age ( t = 0.634, P = 0.528), tumor quadrant (χ 2 = 6.523, P = 0.163), molecular subtyping (χ 2 = 4.164, P = 0.384), histological grade (χ 2 = 1.901, P = 0.387), T staging ( P = 0.099) and whether there was nerve invasion (χ 2 = 0.092, P = 0.761). The levels of serum CEA and CA125 in CTC positive patients were higher than those in CTC negative patients [median ( P25, P75): 2.50 ng/ml (2.21 ng/ml, 2.92 ng/ml) vs. 1.89 ng/ml (1.61 ng/ml, 2.35 ng/ml); 13.81 U/ml (11.79 U/ml, 16.28 U/ml) vs. 11.17 U/ml (8.91 U/ml, 12.80 U/ml); all P < 0.05], and CTC was positively correlated with serum CEA and CA153 levels ( r = 0.520, P<0.01; r = 0.497, P<0.01); CTC was not related to Ki-67 protein expression (χ 2 = 0.512, P = 0.474). Conclusion:The number of CTC in peripheral blood is closely related to clinical staging, lymph node or hematogenous metastasis, tumor markers CEA and CA153 levels of breast cancer. The increased number of CTC may cause tumor progression and metastasis.

Changes and clinical significance of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, cytokeratin-19 fragment, carcinoembryonic antigen and neuron-specific enolase levels in peripheral lung cancer / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the changes and clinical significance of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC), cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in peripheral lung cancer.Methods:Sixty-eight patients with peripheral lung cancer who received treatment in Luqiao Hospital of Taizhou Enze Medical Center (Group) between January 2017 and January 2020 were included in the observation group. Sixty-five patients with benign lung diseases who concurrently received treatment in the same hospital were included in the observation group 1, and another 65 healthy participants who concurrently received physical examination were included in the control group. Serum levels of MMP-9, CYFRA21-1, SCC, NSE and CEA were compared among the three groups. The sensitivity and specificity of using these indicators alone and in combination in the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer were compared.Results:Serum levels of MMP-9, CYFRA21-1, SCC, NSE and CEA in the observation group (14.98 ± 2.10) ng/mL, (17.13 ± 2.71) ng/mL, (1.98 ± 0.41) μg/mL, (24.13 ± 2.10) ng/mL and (17.10 ± 2.10) ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the observation group 1 [(9.12 ± 1.41) ng/mL, (10.12 ± 1.58) ng/mL, (1.37 ± 0.31) μg/mL, (16.31 ± 1.78) ng/mL, (12.13 ± 1.79) ng/mL] and control group [(5.10 1 ± 0.68) ng/mL, (6.02 ± 0.94) ng/mL, (0.71 ± 0.11) μg/mL, (11.10 ± 1.02) ng/mL, (8.13 ± 1.02) ng/mL] ( F1 = 932.781, F2 = 737.100, F3 = 368.591, F4 = 989.851, F5 = 462.291, all P < 0.05). Serum levels of MMP-9, CYFRA21-1, SCC, NSE and CEA in patients with stage I-II peripheral lung cancer were (11.12 ± 2.10) ng/mL, (9.12 ± 1.85) ng/mL, (1.52 ± 0.21) μg/mL, (18.12 ± 3.02) ng/mL, (7.52 ± 1.02) ng/mL, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in patients with stage III-IV peripheral lung cancer [(15. 89 ± 2.18) ng/mL, (21.56 ± 2.11) ng/mL, (2.04 ± 0.31) μg/mL, (28.15 ± 2.62) ng/mL, (15.12 ± 1.55) ng/mL, t1 = 9.013, t2 = 25.146, t3 = 7.714, t4 = 14.586, t5 = 22.705, all P < 0.05]. The sensitivity (83.33%) and specificity (86.67%) of combined detection of all indicators were significantly higher than those of single detection of MMP-9 (50.00%, 59.68%), CEA (50.00%, 61.29%), CYFRA21-1 (66.67%, 58.06%), SCC (50.00%, 54.84%) or NSE (66.67%, 58.06%) (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Serum levels of MMP-9, CYFRA21-1, SCC, NSE and CEA in patients with peripheral lung cancer are significantly increased, which has an important value in the diagnosis of peripheral lung cancer. The combined detection of the above indicators can increase the diagnostic accuracy of peripheral lung cancer in the clinic.

Routine baseline serum carcinoembryonic antigen as a negative predictor of peritoneal metastasis in colorectal malignancies: a cost-effective tool in South India

Background: Colorectal cancer, a formidable health problem worldwide has upto 8% synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis. As only diagnostic laparoscopy can identify them, in countries with economic burden, selection of patients for laparoscopy is ideal. Our aim is to evaluate whether the baseline Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a good selection tool.Methods: A retrospective study of 125 patients, who were diagnosed to have colorectal malignancy (any stage) and underwent elective surgery at our institution from 2012 till 2019 were included. The baseline serum CEA was compared with the intraoperative findings. The threshold levels of serum CEA compared were 6.5 and 100 ng/dl. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for both thresholds were compared in 3 categories of patients, namely peritoneal metastasis (9 cases), metastasis to other organs (36 cases) and cases with no metastasis either in peritoneum or other organs (85 cases). The results were analysed using SPSS software.Results: The mean age was 65, sex ratio (male:female) was 72:53. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV) for CEA threshold of 6.5 ng/dl was 44.44%, 60.34%, 8% and 93.33% for category 1. For CEA threshold of 100 ng/dl, it was 33.33%, 97.41%, 50% and 94.95% for category 1. NPV was 96.55% for category 3 (the highest value).Conclusions: If the baseline CEA levels are less than 100 ng/dl,   96.55% of cases will not require a diagnostic laparoscopy. This hopefully will cut down the cost of unnecessary diagnostic laparoscopies, and reduce the morbidity of unnecessary laparotomies.

Induction chemotherapy for unresectable Stage III non-small-cell lung cancer may improve survival of induction chemotherapy responders as predicted by elevated levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and cytokeratin fragment 19 and classification as stage N3 cancer

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate patients with unresectable Stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) receiving radiotherapy with induction and concurrent pemetrexed or docetaxel plus cisplatin (PP/DP) chemotherapy and to identify the subgroup most likely to benefit from induction chemotherapy (IC). Subjects and Methods: Patients with unresectable measurable Stage III NSCLC received two cycles of PP/DP IC followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy at a dose of 60–66 Gy. Statistical Analysis Used: Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the prognostic factors for survival; logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the predictors for response to IC, and the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the independent factors predicting response. Results: Eighty patients were included; the median survival time (MST) was 22.1 months. Partial response (PR) to IC was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival. For patients in the PR and stable disease groups, the MST was 36.7 and 19.5 months, respectively. The independent predictors of PR to IC included classification as stage N3 cancer, baseline carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels >10 ng/ml, and cytokeratin fragment 19 (CYFRA21-1) levels >6 ng/ml. With each additional independent predictor, the likelihood of having have PR to IC increased. Conclusions: Radiotherapy with induction and concurrent PP/DP chemotherapy is feasible for patients with unresectable Stage III NSCLC. IC may improve the survival of IC responders, as predicted by elevated CEA and CYFRA21-1 levels and classification as stage N3 cancer. Additional randomized trials on IC may consider these predictors to tailor individualized treatments

Comparison of serum NEDD-9, CA 15-3, and CEA levels and PET metabolic parameters in breast cancer patients with 18 F-FDG PET / CT

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Analyze the over expression of neural precursor cell expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 9 (NEDD-9) deregulated associated with a poor prognosis in various carcinomas. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between the levels of NEDD-9, CA 15-3, and CEA and PET (SUVmax, MTV40, TLG40) with the clinical parameters of patients with breast cancer (BC). METHODS One hundred and eleven patients (82 BC patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and 29 healthy controls) were evaluated. SUVmax, MTV, and TLG of the primary tumor were compared with the molecular and histopathological subtypes. 18F-FDG, MTV, and TLG were evaluated based on the clinical data, i.e., nodal involvement, distant metastasis, ER and PR status, Ki-67, serum levels of NEDD-9, CA15-3, and CEA. We compared the NEDD-9 in the BC and healthy control groups. RESULTS The mean ± SD of SUVmax in the 82 patients was 13.0 ± 8.6. A statistically significant relationship (p = 0.022) was found between the molecular subtypes and 18F-FDG uptake. The relationship between 18F-FDG uptake and TLG measured in patients <50 years, ER-PR negativity, and HER2 positivity were statistically significant (p=0.015, 0.007, 0.046, and 0.001, respectively). MTV40, TLG40, and CA 15-3 in metastatic patients were statistically significant (p=0.004, 0.005, and 0.003, respectively). NEDD-9 in the BC group was significantly higher than in the healthy group (p=0.017). There was a positive correlation between SUVmax and Ki67 and CA 15-3; MTV40 and CEA; CA 15-3, CEA, SUVmax, and MTV40; a negative correlation was found between CEA, TLG40, and age. CONCLUSION The use of SUVmax, MTV40, and TLG40 parameters with NEDD-9 and tumor markers has been shown to provide a high diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic value for the management of BC. This is considered to be the basis of interventions focused on the treatment objectives related to NEDD-9.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar a associação da superrexpressão das células NEDD-9 ao prognóstico negativo em vários tipos de carcinoma. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a relação entre os níveis de NEDD-9, CA 15-3 e CEA e PET (SUVmax, MTV40, TLG) e os parâmetros clínicos em pacientes com câncer de mama (CM). MÉTODOS Cento e onze pacientes (82 pacientes de CM submetidos a 18F-FDG PET/TC e 29 controles saudáveis) foram avaliados. SUVmax, MTV, e TLG do tumor primário foram comparados nos subtipos molecular e histopatológico. A captação de 18F-FDG, MTV, e TLG foi avaliada com base em dados clínicos (envolvimento nodal, metástase distante, status de ER e PR, Ki-67, níveis séricos de NEDD-9, CA15-3 e CEA). Foi comparada a NEDD-9 do grupo de CM e o controle saudável. RESULTADOS A média ± DP de SUVmax de 82 pacientes foi de 13,0 ± 8,6. Uma relação estatisticamente significativa (p=0,022) foi encontrada entre subtipos moleculares e captação de 18F-FDG. A relação entre captação de 18F-FDG e TLG medida em pacientes com idade <50 anos, ER-PR negativo e HER2 positivo foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,015; 0,007; 0,046; e 0,001, respectivamente). MTV40, TLG40 e CA 15-3 em pacientes metastáticos foram estatisticamente significantes (p=0,004, 0,005 e 0,003, respectivamente). NEDD-9 no grupo BC foi significativamente maior do que no grupo saudável (p=0,017). Uma correlação positiva foi encontrada entre SUVmax e Ki67 e CA 15-3; MTV40 e CEA; CA 15-3, CEA, SUVmax e MTV40; uma correlação negativa foi encontrada entre CEA, TLG40 e idade. CONCLUSÃO O uso dos parâmetros SUVmax, MTV40 e TLG40 com NEDD-9 e marcadores tumorais demonstrou um alto valor diagnóstico, preditivo e prognóstico para o manejo do CM. Isso é considerado a base para intervenções focadas nos objetivos de tratamento relacionados às NEDD9.

Expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 19 and its prognostic significance in colorectal cancer / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 19 (CEACAM19) in colorectal cancer tissues,and evaluate the clinical pathological characters and prognostic significance.Methods Ninety-eight patients with colorectal cancer in Beijing Huairou Hospital from July 2015 to July 2018 were selected.The expression level of CEACAM 19 protein in primary colorectal cancer and corresponding non-tumor tissues (＞2 cm) was detected by immunohistochemistry.The correlation between clinical pathological characters and CEACAM19 expression level was analyzed.The prognostic influencing factors were analyze by univariate and multivariate Cox regression methods.Survival curve was drawn by Kaplan-Meier method.Results The high expression rate of CEACAM19 in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent non-tumor tissues:69.4％ (68/98) vs.16.3％ (16/98),and there was statistical difference (x2 =45.060;P ＜ 0.01).Expression of CEACAM19 in colorectal cancer tissues was significantly associated with TNM stage (P＜ 0.05),and was not associated with age,gender,tumor diameter,histological differentiation,tumor location,lymph node stage and invasion depth (P ＞ 0.05).Univariate Cox regression analysis result showed that lymph node stage,TNM stage and CEACAM19 expression were influencing factors of overall survival in patients with colorectal cancer (P ＜ 0.05 or ＜ 0.01),and the TNM stage and CEACAM19 expression were influencing factors of disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer (P ＜ 0.01).Multivariate Cox regression analysis result showed that TNM stage increased and CEACAM19 high expression were independent risk factors of overall survival (HR =2.628 and 0.199,95％ CI 1.147 to 6.021 and 0.045 to 0.868,P =0.022 and 0.032) and disease-free survival (HR =2.009 and 0.303,95％ CI 0.965 to 4.185 and 0.101 to 0.911,P =0.048 and 0.034) in patients with colorectal cancer.Survival curve analysis result showed that the median overall survival and disease-free survival in CEACAM19 low expression patients were significantly longer than CEACAM19 high expression patients (47.9 months vs.27.8 months and 43.2 months vs.26.3 months,P ＜ 0.01);the median overall survival and disease-free survival in TNM Ⅰ to Ⅱ stage were significantly longer than TNM Ⅲ stage patients (43.9 months vs.24.2 months and 39.3 months vs.23.7 months,P ＜ 0.01).Conclusions The CEACAM19 in colorectal cancer tissues is high expression,and the CEACAM19 expression level can be used as biomarker for prediction the prognosis of colorectal cancer.