Abstract
Aim: To evaluate CEA and CA19-9 in a long-term follow-up after radical surgery for colorectal cancer. Patients and Methods: A total of 1,090 patients were operated on for colorectal cancer, 716 patients underwent R0 resection, 631 patients were under further surveillance, relapse was diagnosed in 122 patients (20%), 74 patients were indicated for reoperation The resectability of the relapse was 35%. An AxSYM instrument (Abbott) was used for analysis. Results: At the time of relapse both markers were normal in 31% of the patients. When relapse was diagnosed, in patients with normal preoperative levels, CEA and CA19-9 were below cut-off in 48% and 79%, respectively, and in those with primary elevation, they were again elevated in 78% and 64%, respectively. Conclusion: The surveillance based only on CEA and/or CA19-9 was cost-effective, but failed to disclose 1/3 of patients suffering from relapse; these markers must be combined with liver and chest imaging methods and colonoscopy.
Footnotes
- Received December 13, 2006.
- Revision received March 16, 2007.
- Accepted March 21, 2007.
- Copyright© 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved