Serum tumor markers (carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, carbohydrate antigen 72-4, carbohydrate antigen 24-2, ferritin) and gastric cancer prognosis correlation

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is a kind of malignant tumor which is prevalent all over the world.Although some progress has been made in the treatment of gastric cancer,its prognosis is still not optimistic,so it is of great significance to find reliable prog-nostic indicators to guide the treatment and management of patients with gastric cancer.AIM To explore the relationship between serum levels of five biomarkers[carcinoem-bryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen(CA)19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2,and ferritin]and prognosis in patients with gastric cancer.METHODS This study included 200 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma,and conducted an in-depth analysis of their baseline characteristics,relationship between tumor markers and staging,and prognosis.The study found that CA19-9 has a signi-ficant correlation with tumor stage,the average levels of CA24-2,CEA,CA72-4 and ferritin were slightly increased disregarding the stage of tumor.Survival analysis showed that increases in CEA,CA19-9,CA24-2,and ferritin were all associated with shortened overall survival of patients.Further multivariate ana-lysis revealed that elevated serum CA72-4 levels were an inde-pendent adverse prognostic factor.RESULTS This study reveals that there is a significant correlation between the expression levels of serum tumor markers CEA,CA19-9,CA72-4,CA24-2 and ferritin in patients with gastric cancer and prognosis,and can be used as important indicators for prognostic evaluation of gastric cancer.In particular,markers that appear abnormally elevated initially may help identify gastric cancer patients with poor prognosis.CONCLUSION Serum CEA and CA19-9 play an important role in the prognosis assessment of gastric cancer,and are effective tools to guide clinical practice and optimize individualized treatment strategies for gastric cancer patients.

The combined detection of carcinoembryonic antigen,carcinogenic antigen 125,and carcinogenic antigen 19-9 in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND Hepatic metastases are common and difficult to treat after colorectal cancer(CRC)surgery.The predictive value of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),cancer antigen(CA)125 and CA19-9 combined tests for liver metastasis is unclear.AIM To evaluate predictive value of combined tests for CEA,CA125,and CA19-9 levels in patients with liver metastases of CRC.METHODS The retrospective study included patients with CRC alone(50 cases)and patients with CRC combined with liver metastases(50 cases)who were hospitalized between January 2021 and January 2023.Serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels were compared between the two groups,and binary logistic regression was used to analyze the predictive value of the combination of these tumor markers in liver metastasis.In addition,we performed receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis to assess its diagnostic accuracy.RESULTS The results showed that the serum CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 levels in the CRC with liver metastasis group were significantly higher than those in the CRC alone group.Specifically,the average serum CEA level in the CRC with liver metastasis group was 162.03±810.01 ng/mL,while that in the CRC alone group was 5.71±9.76 ng/mL;the average serum CA125 levels were 43.47±83.52 U/mL respectively.and 13.5±19.68 U/mL;the average serum CA19-9 levels were 184.46±473.13 U/mL and 26.55±43.96 U/mL respectively.In addition,binary logistic regression analysis showed that CA125 was significant in predicting CRC liver metastasis(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the ROC curves of CEA,CA125 and CA19-9 were 0.607,0.692 and 0.586.CONCLUSION These results suggest that combined detection of these tumor markers may help early detection and intervention of CRC liver metastasis,thereby improving patient prognosis.

Prediction and analysis of albumin-bilirubin score combined with liver function index and carcinoembryonic antigen on liver metastasis of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a common malignant tumor,and liver metastasis is one of the main recurrence and metastasis modes that seriously affect patients’survival rate and quality of life.Indicators such as albumin bilirubin(ALBI)score,liver function index,and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)have shown some potential in the prediction of liver metastasis but have not been fully explored.AIM To evaluate its predictive value for liver metastasis of CRC by conducting the combined analysis of ALBI,liver function index,and CEA,and to provide a more accurate liver metastasis risk assessment tool for clinical treatment guidance.METHODS This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with CRC who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2018 to July 2023 and were followed up for 24 months.According to the follow-up results,the enrolled patients were divided into a liver metastasis group and a nonliver metastasis group and randomly divided into a modeling group and a verification group at a ratio of 2:1.The risk factors for liver metastasis in patients with CRC were analyzed,a prediction model was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)logistic regression,internal validation was performed by the bootstrap method,the reliability of the prediction model was evaluated by subject-work characteristic curves,calibration curves,and clinical decision curves,and a column graph was drawn to show the prediction results.RESULTS Of 130 patients were enrolled in the modeling group and 65 patients were enrolled in the verification group out of the 195 patients with CRC who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria.Through LASSO regression variable screening and logistic regression analysis.The ALBI score,alanine aminotransferase(ALT),and CEA were found to be independent predictors of liver metastases in CRC patients[odds ratio(OR)=8.062,95%confidence interval(CI):2.545-25.540],(OR=1.037,95%CI:1.004-1.071)and(OR=1.025,95%CI:1.008-1.043).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)for the combined prediction of CRLM in the modeling group was 0.921,with a sensitivity of 78.0%and a specificity of 95.0%.The H-index was 0.921,and the H-L fit curve hadχ^(2)=0.851,a P value of 0.654,and a slope of the calibration curve approaching 1.This indicates that the model is extremely accurate,and the clinical decision curve demonstrates that it can be applied effectively in the real world.We conducted internal verification of one thousand resamplings of the modeling group data using the bootstrap method.The AUC was 0.913,while the accuracy was 0.869 and the kappa consistency was 0.709.The combination prediction of liver metastasis in patients with CRC in the verification group had an AUC of 0.918,sensitivity of 85.0%,specificity of 95.6%,C-index of 0.918,and an H-L fitting curve withχ^(2)=0.586,P=0.746.CONCLUSION The ALBI score,ALT level,and CEA level have a certain value in predicting liver metastasis in patients with CRC.These three criteria exhibit a high level of efficacy in forecasting liver metastases in patients diagnosed with CRC.The risk prediction model developed in this work shows great potential for practical application.

DISTRIBUTION AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN (CEA) IN SIGNET RING CELLS OF GASTRIC CANCER

The distribution and ultrastructural localization of CEA in signet-ring cells of 15 gastric cancer specimens were observed by PAP and immunoelectron microscopic methods. The mechanism of abnormal distribution of CEA in the signet-ring cell and its biological significance are discussed. The results showed that the CEA positive rate in signet-ring cells was 100% with the polarity lost in distribution. Under the light microscope, the CEA stain patterns were of two types: cytoplasmic and membranous types. The former was predominant. Under the electron microscope, most of the CEA was distributed on the cell membrane and cytoplasm. CEA was found in intracellular membranous structure of the cancer cells, especially in protein synthesis and transport organellae (RER, Golgi Complex etc.). The synthesis of CEA in cancer cells increased, yet its elimination was somewhat hampered. The result was that the RER became extended and were full of CEA (+) material. In the free signet-ring cell, there was a small and short contact plane. The tight junction was severed as the cell junction reduced. The antigenic determinant of CEA was glycoprotein. The abnormal distribution of CEA in signet-ring cells might be the morphologic reflection of the glycosylation of surface glycoprotein of tumor cells.

CHARACTERIZATION OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY CL58 AGAINST CARCINOEMBRYONIC ANTIGEN(CEA)AND STUDY OF ITS BIODISTRIBUTION

Objective: To study the preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibody (McAb) against carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Methods: CEA antigen was extracted from metastasized liver of patients with colorectal cancer and used for the preparation of McAb against CEA by hybridoma technique. Immunoreactivity of McAb to CEA antigen was evaluated using ELISA. Mouse ascites was purified by two steps, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using protein A and high performance hydroxylapatite (HPHT). Normal adult tissues and tumor specimen were used for immunohistochemical evaluation of the McAb. Isotope 99mTc labeled CEA McAb was used for biodistribution in tumor-bearing mouse. Results: Purified CEA antigen was a glycoprotein of 180 kD. Anti-CEA McAb affinity constant was 7.4×109/M. The McAb showed positive staining in 54–88% of colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and lung cancer, while negative for normal tissues. 24 hours after injection of 99mTc labeled McAb, tumor ID%/g was higher than 15% and tumor/blood, tumor/kidney and tumor/liver were 1.82, 1.51 and 2.92 respectively. T/NT ratios of other viscera were over 3.0. Conclusion: Purified CEA antigen had very good immunogenicity. The anti-CEA McAb was highly specific. 99mTc labeled McAb was stabled both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo distribution result was satisfactory. McAb CL58 may be useful for RII and RIGS.

血清肿瘤标志物CEA、CA-199、CA125及VEGF联合检测对肺癌诊断的价值

目的本研究目的在于探究肺癌患者中CEA、CA-199、CA125以及VEGF的表达情况,并评价它们在肺癌诊断和治疗中的临床应用价值。方法选取2023年1月至2023年10月期间入院接受肺部疾病检查并确诊为肺癌的84例患者作为观察组,另取80名健康人作为对照组。通过t检验比较两组中的血清肿瘤标志物水平,评估其在肺癌风险评估中的应用价值。此外,采用受试者操作特征曲线(ROC)分析各指标在肺癌辅助诊断中的有效性。结果观察组与对照组比较,CEA、CA-199、CA125和VEGF的血清水平差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析表明,血清CEA、CA-199、CA125和VEGF水平升高与肺癌风险增加相关(P<0.05)。ROC曲线分析显示,CEA、CA-199、CA125联合VEGF在诊断肺癌方面的AUC值为0.855,明显高于单一测定。结论CEA、CA-199、CA125和VEGF的联合检测在肺癌的早期筛查、诊断和随访中具有显著的临床价值,能显著提高肺癌诊断的敏感性和特异性,可能对于肺癌患者的早期诊断和治疗决策提供较为重要参考。

培美曲塞二钠联合顺铂治疗晚期肺腺癌的疗效及对血清CYFRA21-1、CA125、CEA、NSE的影响分析

目的 探讨培美曲塞二钠联合顺铂治疗晚期肺腺癌的疗效,以及对患者血清细胞角质蛋白19片段抗原(Cytokeratin 19 Fragment Antigen 21-1, CYFRA 21-1)、糖类抗原CA125(Carbohydrate Antigen 125, CA125)、癌胚抗原(Carcinoembryonic Antigen, CEA)、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(Neuron Specific Enolase, NSE)的影响。方法 便利选择建湖县人民医院于2019年1月—2023年12月收治的72例晚期肺腺癌患者为研究对象,以随机数字表法分组,对照组(n=36)采用紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗,观察组(n=36)培美曲塞二钠联合顺铂治疗,比较两组的疗效、血清CYFRA21-1、CA125、CEA、NSE水平以及不良反应发生率。结果 观察组的疾病控制率、客观缓解率分别为88.89%和58.33%,均高于对照组的66.67%、33.33%,差异有统计学意义(χ^(2)=5.143、4.532,P均<0.05)。治疗后,观察组的CYFRA21-1、CA125、CEA、NSE水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。观察组的不良反应发生率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 培美曲塞二钠联合顺铂治疗晚期肺腺癌的疗效可靠,患者肿瘤标志物水平下降明显,且药物不良反应小,安全性高。

联合检测血清胃蛋白酶原、Hp抗体、CEA、CA724在胃癌筛查的临床研究

目的探讨血清胃蛋白酶原Ⅰ(PGⅠ)、胃蛋白酶原Ⅱ(PGⅡ)、PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值、幽门螺杆菌(Hp)抗体、糖类抗原724(CA724)、癌胚抗原(CEA)联合检测在胃癌筛查的临床价值研究。方法选取2021年7月至2023年11月在玉林市第一人民医院就诊的100例胃癌患者为胃癌组、80例萎缩性胃炎患者为萎缩性胃炎组及同期80例非萎缩性胃炎为对照组。检测并比较三组研究对象血清中PGⅠ、PGⅡ、PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值、Hp抗体、CEA、CA724水平,用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线评估以上指标在胃癌中的诊断价值。结果胃癌组、萎缩性胃炎组的PGⅠ、PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。胃癌组的PGⅡ及Hp抗体水平均高于对照组,但胃癌组Hp抗体水平低于萎缩性胃炎组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。胃癌组的CEA、CA724水平均高于其余两组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。采用Spearman相关分析,结果显示PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值与PGⅠ呈正相关(r=0.229,P<0.05),与PGⅡ、Hp抗体、CA724呈负相关(r=-0.560,P<0.05;r=-0.236,P<0.05;r=-0.223,P<0.05)。联合检测血清PGⅠ、PGⅡ、Hp抗体、CEA、CA724诊断胃癌的曲线下面积(AUC=0.844)均大于各单项诊断AUC。结论联合检测血清PGⅠ、PGⅡ、PGⅠ/PGⅡ比值、Hp抗体、CEA、CA724可提高胃癌的诊断价值。

血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE及ALP联合检测对原发性肺癌患者骨转移的预测价值

目的探究血清糖类抗原125(CA125)、细胞角蛋白19片段抗原21-1(CYFRA21-1)、癌胚抗原(CEA)、神经元特异性烯醇化酶(NSE)及碱性磷酸酶(ALP)联合检测对原发性肺癌患者骨转移的预测价值。方法选取肺癌患者104例为观察组,并根据是否发生骨转移分为骨转移组(50例)和无骨转移组(54例)。同时选取100例肺部良性病变者为对照组。收集肺癌患者临床资料,检测所有受试者血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE及ALP水平。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP对肺癌患者骨转移的预测价值。采用多因素Logistic回归分析肺癌患者骨转移的影响因素。结果与对照组相比,观察组血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP水平显著升高(P<0.05)。骨转移组中临床分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期患者占比、有淋巴结转移患者占比及血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP水平显著高于无骨转移组(P<0.05)。血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP预测肺癌患者发生骨转移的AUC分别为0.818、0.816、0.739、0.770、0.771,5种肿瘤标志物联合检测的AUC为0.955,敏感度、特异度、AUC均显著高于各肿瘤标志物单独检测(P<0.05)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP是影响肺癌患者发生骨转移的危险因素(P<0.05)。结论血清CA125、CYFRA21-1、CEA、NSE、ALP联合检测对原发性肺癌患者骨转移的预测具有较高的价值,联合诊断效能更高。

Prognostic value of preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen/tumor size in rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)is a commonly used biomarker in colorectal cancer.However,controversy exists regarding the insufficient prognostic value of preoperative serum CEA alone in rectal cancer.Here,we combined preoperative serum CEA and the maximum tumor diameter to correct the CEA level,which may better reflect the malignancy of rectal cancer.AIM To assess the prognostic impact of preoperative CEA/tumor size in rectal cancer.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 696 stage I to III rectal cancer patients who underwent curative tumor resection from 2007 to 2012.These patients were randomly divided into two cohorts for cross-validation:training cohort and validation cohort.The training cohort was used to generate an optimal cutoff point and the validation cohort was used to further validate the model.Maximally selected rank statistics were used to identify the optimum cutoff for CEA/tumor size.The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to plot the survival curve and to compare the survival data.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic value of CEA/tumor size.The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival(OS)and disease-free survival(DFS),respectively.RESULTS In all,556 patients who satisfied both the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included and randomly divided into the training cohort(2/3 of 556,n=371)and the validation cohort(1/3 of 556,n=185).The cutoff was 2.429 ng/mL per cm.Comparison of the baseline data showed that high CEA/tumor size was correlated with older age,high TNM stage,the presence of perineural invasion,high CEA,and high carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA 19-9).Kaplan-Meier curves showed a manifest reduction in 5-year OS(training cohort:56.7%vs 81.1%,P<0.001;validation cohort:58.8%vs 85.6%,P<0.001)and DFS(training cohort:52.5%vs 71.9%,P=0.02;validation cohort:50.3%vs 79.3%,P=0.002)in the high CEA/tumor size group compared with the low CEA/tumor size group.Univariate and multivariate analyses identified CEA/tumor size as an independent prognostic factor for OS(training cohort:hazard ratio(HR)=2.18,95%confidence interval(CI):1.28-3.73,P=0.004;validation cohort:HR=4.83,95%CI:2.21-10.52,P<0.001)as well as DFS(training cohort:HR=1.47,95%CI:0.93-2.33,P=0.096;validation cohort:HR=2.61,95%CI:1.38-4.95,P=0.003).CONCLUSION Preoperative CEA/tumor size is an independent prognostic factor for patients with stage I-III rectal cancer.Higher CEA/tumor size is associated with worse OS and DFS.

CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125联合检测在胃癌患者中的运用价值

目的观察血清癌胚抗原(CEA)、糖类抗原724(CA724)、糖类抗原19-9(CA19-9)、糖类抗原125(CA125)联合检测对胃癌患者的临床价值。方法选取我院2020年5月至2023年5月收治的176例胃癌患者作为恶性组,按照2∶1配对原则选取同期、同年段88名健康对照作为对照组。比较两组血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125水平,分析胃癌患者血清各指标与临床病理特征的关系,ROC曲线评估血清各指标联合对胃癌的诊断价值。结果恶性组血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125水平高于对照组(P<0.05);胃癌患者分化程度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125水平比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125与分化程度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移呈正相关(P<0.05);血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125联合诊断胃癌的AUC大于各指标单独诊断(P<0.05)。结论胃癌患者血清CEA、CA724、CA19-9、CA125表达较高,与患者分化程度、TNM分期、淋巴结转移、远处转移有关,且联合检测胃癌具有较高参考价值。

Cytokeratms and carcinoembryonic antigen in diagnosis,staging and prognosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma

AIM: To evaluate the serum levels of cytokeratins and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in diagnosis, staging and prognosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma.METHODS: The sample consisted of 169 patients. One hundred blood donors formed the control group. Radical surgery was performed on 120 patients, with an average follow-up duration of 22.3 mo. Relapses occurred in 23individuals after an average of 18.09 mo. CEA was assayed via the Delfia(R) method with a limit of 5 ng/mL. Cytokeratins were assayed via the LIA-mat(R) TPA-M Prolifigen(R) method with a limit of 72 U/L.RESULTS: In the diagnosis of patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma, CEA showed a sensitivity of 56%, a specificity of 95%, a positive predictive value of 94%, a negative predictive value of 50% and an accuracy of 76.8%.TPA-M had a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 96%, a positive predictive value of 97%, a negative predictive value of 66% and an accuracy of 93.6%. The elevation of one of the markers was shown to have a sensitivity of 76.9%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 93.5%, a negative predictive value of 70% and an accuracy of 83.6%.There was no variation in the levels of the markers according to the degree of cell differentiation while there was an elevation in their concentrations in accordance with the increase in neoplastic dissemination. There was a statistically significant difference between the patients with stage Ⅳ lesions and those with stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ tumors.With regard to CEA, the averagelevel was 14.2 ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅰ lesions, 8.5 ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅱ lesions, 8.0 ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅲ lesions and 87.7 ng/mL in patients with stage Ⅳ lesions. In relation to TPA-M, the levels were 153.1 U/L in patients with stage Ⅰtumors, 106.5 U/L in patients with stage Ⅱ tumors, 136.3 U/L in patients with stage Ⅲ tumors and 464.3 U/L in patients with stage Ⅳ tumors. There was a statistical difference in patients with a high CEA level in relation to a shorter survival(P＜0.05). However, there was no correlation between patients with high TPA-M levels and prognostic indices of patients undergoing radical surgery.CONCLUSION: Cytokeratins demonstrate a greater sensitivity than CEA in the diagnosis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.There is an increase in the sensitivity of the markers with tumor dissemination. Cytokeratins cannot identify the worse prognosis in patients undergoing radical surgery.Cytokeratins constitute an advance in the direction of a perfect tumor marker in the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Value of ^(18)F-FDG PET-CT in surveillance of postoperative colorectal cancer patients with various carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations

AIM:To evaluate the value of positron emission tomography(PET)/computerized tomography(CT)in surveillance of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with different carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)concentrations.METHODS:One hundred and six postoperative CRC patients who had suspected recurrence or metastasis and received fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG)PET/CT within one week were included in this study.The final diagnosis was confirmed by histological examination or clinicalfollow-up over at least six months.RESULTS:The sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of FDG PET/CT were 95.2%,82.6%,and 92.5%,and94.8%,81.4%and 92.8%,respectively,in the caseand lesion-based analyses.The sensitivity and accuracy of FDG PET/CT significantly differed from CT in both analyses(χ2=8.186,P=0.004;χ2=6.201,P=0.013;χ2=13.445,P=0.000;χ2=11.194,P=0.001).In the lesion-based analysis,the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of FDG PET/CT in the abnormal CEA group were97.8%,82.6%,and 95.6%,compared with 81.3%,80%,and 80.6%for patients with normal CEA levels.In case-based analysis,the sensitivity,specificity,and accuracy of FDG PET/CT were 97.2%,77.8%,and 95%in abnormal CEA group.Only in lesion-based analysis,the sensitivity and accuracy of FDG PET/CT in the abnormal CEA group were significantly superior to those in the normal CEA group(χ2=6.432,P=0.011;χ2=7.837,P=0.005).FDG PET/CT changed the management in 45.8%of patients with positive scans.CONCLUSION:FDG PET/CT showed superior diagnostic value and is an advisable option in surveillance of postoperative CRC patients with a vague diagnosis.

prognostic significance of pretreatment serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels in gastric cancer with pathological lymph node-negative: A large sample singlecenter retrospective study

AIM To assess whether elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) is in the inferior prognosis for pathological lymph node-negative(p N_0) gastric cancer(GC) patients who underwent D_2 gastrectomy.METHODS About 469 p N0 GC patients,who received D^2 radical gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed. The X-tile plots cut-off point for CEA were 30.02 ng/m L using minimum P-value from log-rank χ~2 statistics,and p N_0 GC patients were assigned to two groups: those more than 30.02 ng/m L(n = 48;CEA-high group) and those less than 30.02 ng/m L(n = 421;CEA-low group). Clinicopathologic characteristics were compared usingPearson's χ2 or Fisher's exact tests,and survival curves were so manufactured using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis were carried out using the logistic regression method.RESULTS The percentage of vessel carcinoma embolus(31.35% vs 17.1%) and advanced GC(T_(2-4b))(81.25% vs 65.32%) were higher in CEA-high group than CEA-low group. The CEA-positive patients had a significantly poorer prognosis than the CEA-nagetive patients in terms of overall survival(57.74% vs 90.69%,P < 0.05),and no different was found between subgroup of T category,differentiation,nerve invasion,and vessel carcinoma embolus(all P > 0.05). Multivariate survival analysis showed that CEA(OR = 4.924),and T category(OR = 2.214) were significant prognostic factors for stage p N0 GC(all P < 0.05). Besides,only T category(OR = 1.962) was an independent hazard factor in the CEA-high group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Those pretreatment serum CEA levels over 30.02 ng/m L on behalf of worse characteristics and unfavourable tumor behavior,and a poor prognosis for a nearly doubled risk of mortality in GC patients.

Detection of carcinoembryonic antigen mRNA in peritoneal washes from gastric cancer patients and its clinical significance

AIM： To establish a more sensitive method for detection of free cancer cells in peritoneal washes from gastric cancer patients during surgery and to evaluate its clinical significance. METHODS： The carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA） mRNA levels in peritoneal washes from 65 cases of gastric cancer were detected by real-time RT-PCR. Peritoneal lavage cytology （PLC） was applied simultaneously to detection of free cancer cells. Negative controls included peritoneal washes from 5 cases of benign gastric disease and blood samples from 5 adult healthy volunteers. RESULTS： There was no CEA mRNA in peritoneal washes from benign gastric disease patients and in blood of adult healthy volunteers. The positive percentage of free cancer cells detected by real-time RT-PCR was 47.7% and only 22.3% by PLC. The positive rate of CEA mRNA was significantly related with serosa invasion between peritoneal metastasis and stage of gastric cancer. CONCLUSION： Real-time RT-PCR is a sensitive and rapid method for the detection of free cancer cells in peritoneal washes. The presence of free cancer cells in peritoneal washes is related to the Pathologic stage of gastric cancer.

Impact of RAS and BRAF mutations on carcinoembryonic antigen production and pattern of colorectal metastases

AIM: To investigate the impact of RAS and BRAF mutations on the pattern of metastatic disease and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) production.METHODS: In this retrospective study, we investigated the impact of RAS and BRAF mutational status on pattern of metastatic disease and CEA production. Only patients presenting with a newly diagnosed metastatic colorectal cancer(CRC) were included. Patients' characteristics, primary tumor location, site of metastatic disease and CEA at presentation were compared between those with and without RAS and BRAF mutations.RESULTS: Among 174 patients, mutations in KRAS, NRAS and BRAF were detected in 47%, 3% and 6% respectively. RAS mutations(KRAS and NRAS) were more likely to be found in African American patients(87% vs 13%; P value = 0.0158). RAS mutations were associated with a higher likelihood of a normal CEA(< 5 ng/mL) at presentation. BRAF mutations were more likely to occur in females. We were not able to confirm any association between mutational status and site of metastatic disease at initial diagnosis.CONCLUSION: No association was found between RAS and BRAF mutations and sites of metastatic disease at the time of initial diagnosis in our cohort. Patients with RAS mutations were more likely to present with CEA levels < 5 ng/mL. These findings may have clinical implications on surveillance strategies for RAS mutant patients with earlier stages of CRC.

Prognostic value of changes in serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels for preoperative chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Preoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT)is a standard treatment modality for locally advanced rectal cancer.However,CRT alone cannot improve overall survival.Approximately 20%of patients with CRT-resistant tumors show disease progression.Therefore,predictive factors for treatment response are needed to identify patients who will benefit from CRT.We theorized that the prognosis may vary if patients are classified according to pre-to post-CRT changes in carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.AIM To identify patients with locally advanced rectal cancer for preoperative chemoradiotherapy based on carcinoembryonic antigen levels.METHODS We retrospectively included locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative CRT and curative resection between 2011 and 2017.Patients were assigned to groups A,B,and C based on pre-and post-CRT serum CEA levels:Both>5;pre>5 and post≤5;and both≤5 ng/mL,respectively.We compared the response to CRT based on changes in serum CEA levels.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff for neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet–lymphocyte ratio.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for pathologic complete response(pCR)/good response.RESULTS The cohort comprised 145 patients;of them,27,43,and 65 belonged to groups A,B,and C,respectively,according to changes in serum CEA levels before and after CRT.Pre-(P<0.001)and post-CRT(P<0.001)CEA levels and the ratio of downstaging(P=0.013)were higher in Groups B and C than in Group A.The ratio of pathologic tumor regression grade 0/1 significantly differed among the groups(P=0.003).Group C had the highest number of patients showing pCR(P<0.001).Most patients with pCR showed pre-and post-CRT CEA levels<5 ng/mL(P<0.001,P=0.008).Pre-and post-CRT CEA levels were important risk factors for pCR(OR=18.71;95%CI:4.62–129.51,P<0.001)and good response(OR=5.07;95%CI:1.92–14.83,P=0.002),respectively.Pre-CRT neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and post-CRT T≥3 stage were also prognostic factors for pCR or good response.CONCLUSION Pre-and post-CRT CEA levels,as well as change in CEA levels,were prognostic markers for treatment response to CRT and may facilitate treatment individualization for rectal cancer.

Prognostic factors in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients: Carcinoembryonic antigen, lymph node, surgical margin and chemotherapy

AIM: To evaluate outcomes in resectable cholangiocarcinoma patients and to determine prognostic factors. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted among newly-diagnosed cholangiocarcinoma patients from January 2009 to December 2011 who underwent curative resection in Srinakarind Hospital (a 1000-bed university hospital). Two hundred and sixty-three cholangiocarcinoma patients with good performance were enrolled. These patients had pathological reports with clear margins or microscopic margins. Prognostic factors which included clinical factors, serum liver function test as well as serum tumor makers at presentation,tumor data, and receiving adjuvant chemotherapy were determined by uniand multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The median overall survival time was 17 mo (95%CI: 13.2-20.7); and 1-, 2-, and 3year survival rates were 65.5%, 45.2% and 35.4%. Serum albumin levels, serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, staging classifications by American Joint Committee on cancer, pathological tumor staging, lymph node metastases, tumor grading, surgical margin status, and if adjuvant chemotherapy was administered, were shown to be significant prognostic factors of resectable cholangiocarcinoma by univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis, however, established that only abnormal serum CEA [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68; P = 0.027] and lymph node metastases (HR 2.27; P = 0.007) were significantly associated with a decrease in overall survival, while adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 0.71; P = 0.067) and surgical margin negative (HR 0.72; P = 0.094) tended to improve survival time. CONCLUSION: Serum CEA and lymph node metastases which were associated with advanced stage tumors become strong negative prognostic factors in cholangiocarcinoma.

Cyst fluid glucose: An alternative to carcinoembryonic antigen for pancreatic mucinous cysts

Pancreatic cystic lesions(PCLs) have been increasingly recognized in clinical practice. Although inflammatory cysts(pseudocysts) are the most common PCLs detected by cross-sectional imaging modalities in symptomatic patients in a setting of acute or chronic pancreatitis, incidental pancreatic cysts with no symptoms or history of pancreatitis are usually neoplastic cysts. For these lesions,it is imperative to identify mucinous cysts(intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms) due to the risk of their progression to malignancy. However, no single imaging modality alone is sufficient for a definitive diagnosis of all PCLs. The cyst fluid obtained by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration provides additional information for the differential diagnosis of PCLs. Current recommendations suggest sending cyst fluid for cytology evaluation and measurement of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) levels. Unfortunately, the sensitivity of cytology is greatly limited, and cyst fluid CEA has demonstrated insufficient accuracy as a predictor of mucinous cysts. More recently, cyst fluid glucose has emerged as an alternative to CEA for distinguishing between mucinous and nonmucinous lesions. Herein, the clinical utility of cyst fluid glucose and CEA for the differential diagnosis of PCLs was evaluated.

Selection of DNA aptamer that specific binding human carcinoembryonic antigen in vitro

Objective：To select the specific aptamer of carcinoembryonic antigen （CEA）, one of the most attractive molecule for cancer target therapy and imaging. Methods： Seven rounds in vitro selection were performed against the purified CEA protein. Ligand-mediated target purification and Co-immunoprecipitation were adopted to verify the specific binding of the aptamer to the purified and native protein separately. Results：The CEA-specific aptamer which can bind both the purified and native protein with the high specificity was obtained. Conclusion：This is the first time the CEA specific apatmer was produced. The results in this study provides the preliminary evidence for further investigation and application of CEA-aptamer in the future.