CARCINO EMBRYONIC ANTIGEN ( CEA )

Note

1. CEA is used as a marker for monitoring colorectal and gastrointestinal carcinoma and is raised in carcinoma of lung, breast, pancreas, prostate, stomach and ovary.

2. Benign conditions which can elevate CEA include smoking, hepatic diseases, infections, inflammatory bowel disease, trauma, collagen vascular disease, renal disorders, pancreatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and peptic ulcer, chemotheraphy and radiation.

3. CEA is not an effective screening test for hidden / occult cancer since early tumors do not cause significant blood elevations.

When interpreting tumour marker tests, the following recommendations should be kept in mind:

1. Do not rely on a single test result.

2. Serial levels are best for monitoring status. Try to use the same laboratory and assay method for monitoring.

3. Use of multiple markers may yield better sensitivity and specificity.

4. Possibility of ectopic tumour markers and heterophilic antibodies should be remembered.