RESUMO
One thousand RIAS were done to measure plasma CEA using Hoffmann La Roch Kits. In 99% of 96 normal healthy individual and cases with benign breast masses. Plasma CEA level was within the normal range m = 0.64 ng/ml + 0.81, and for benign breast masses m = 0.54 ng/ml+1.06, p> 0.5. In 51.4 of 141 patients with cancer breast a value higher than normal was observed m = 4.04 ng/ml + 4.03, p< 0.01. In 27 cases with stage II the plasma CEA value is m = 2.3 ng/ml +2.59. In 36 cases with stage III the plasma CEA value is m= 5.48 ng/ml + 5.2, and when compared p< 0.01. In nine cases treated by radical radiotherapy, there was significant reduction in plasma CEA one month later, m =0.55 ng/ml + 0.77, p< 0.01. In 17 patients with metastatic breast carcinoma treated by combination chemotherapy, there is detectable reduction in CEA levels after eight courses, m = 5.08 ng/ml +2.86, p = 0.02. In 63 patients surgically resected there was an obvious drop m = 2.21 ng/ml + 2.88. CEA estimation is a good prognostic index and a pointer for treatment effectiveness in carcinoma of the breast